Iconic Portland Diner Fuller’s Should Reopen Before October Ends

Eight months after a fire shut down the longstanding Pearl District spot Fuller’s Coffee Shop, the diner is preparing to start serving its biscuits and gravy once again. The Oregonian reports that Fuller’s should reopen before October ends; however, Urban Restaurant Group, which owns the restaurant, has yet to respond to Eater’s requests for comment.

Fuller’s first opened in a different location in 1947, moving to Northwest 9th in 1960. The “coffee shop” became a neighborhood stalwart, locals grabbing a seat at the counter for breakfast or lunch to devour hotcakes and Monte Cristos. Fast food influencer and former Simpsons showrunner Bill Oakley has publicly praised the diner’s take on a club sandwich, which comes with a full layer of chicken salad; the diner’s burgers became so popular that Fuller’s opened a burger-specific spinoff. Fuller’s Burger Shack will soon open a second location within downtown Portland’s Pioneer Square.

On February 19, a fire broke out within Fuller’s Coffee Shop, which caused significant smoke damage to the restaurant and exhaust hood. The restaurant closed for repairs, initially hoping to reopen in June. General manager Rachel Pean told KGW that the renovations are meant to replicate the original vibe of the space, and that the same employees should be returning to work at the diner.

This story will be updated with more information.