Portland State's food carts will remain open due to support from city

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland State University’s food cart pod that was slated to shut down this summer will no longer close, due to backing from city officials.

On Thursday, PSU announced the Millar Library food carts would remain open, and undergo construction to ensure they’re in compliance with local wastewater regulations.

In January 2023, Oregon updated its food sanitation rules to prohibit mobile food units from using unnecessary potable and wastewater storage tanks.

KOIN 6 previously reported that city officials issued PSU a notice of violation after an inspection in July, but the university determined it didn’t have the $40,000 to $50,000 required to renovate the site.

After the Facilities and Property Management department’s multiple attempts to secure the funding, the four food cart pods learned they would need to relocate or shut down by July 1.

But according to PSU Associate Vice president for Planning, Construction and Real Estate Jason Franklin, the campus community continued to advocate for the pod.

“The PSU community made it clear that the Library carts are an important part of our campus, and we agree,” Franklin added in a statement. “We’re happy that after careful consideration and assistance from the City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services, we found a cost-effective solution that protects public health. We are pleased that we’re able to make the necessary infrastructure improvements to allow the carts to remain in place.”

This summer, the university will install a new grease interceptor system in the pod. It has worked alongside a contractor familiar with local food regulations to ensure the pod is in compliance.

According to PSU, the four food carts — Asian Fusion, Home Taste, Khao Niew Lao Street Food and Sheesh Shawarma — were informed of this earlier in May.

The business owners' rent will increase rent to cover maintenance costs.