Closed two years, a new ‘food cart pod’ is again open on Foster Road

Take a look at the ‘grand reopening’ of the new food cart corral on Foster Road …

Once again, food carts have returned to this neighborhood at the same intersection, as Foster Food Carts celebrates its grand opening.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

When it opened at the corner of SE 52nd Avenue at Foster Road in 2010 in the Foster-Powell neighborhood, “Carts on Foster” – inner Southeast Portland’s first food cart “pod” – was an immediate hit. When it became the first cart pod licensed to serve beer, it became even more successful.

After it was sold, the new owner focused efforts on creating another food cart pod, and about two years ago, Carts on Foster was abandoned and emptied, and became the scene of shady activity, according to neighbors.

Neighbors return to the new Foster Food Carts, ready to taste a wide variety of food again available at this reopened East Portland food cart corral.

But, in the last few months, the fenced-off property has been cleaned up, new utilities have been installed, and soon food carts again were moving into the dining corral area, which has now been rechristened “Foster Food Carts”.

On May 17, Foster Food Carts celebrated its grand opening, complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

This food cart pod is more family-friendly than ever, says operator Nik Badwaik.

“I decided to reopen this because the neighborhood wanted carts here,” owner Nik Badwaik told East Portland News at the Saturday afternoon event. “This is the space where, over the years, people have created memories for themselves and their families – which is the reason we decided to bring back a food cart center here!”

Adult beverages? “You bet!” says Lauren Bozarth, as she’s pulling a beer at Thirsty Pours, in the Foster Food Carts beer garden.

In addition to a beer garden under a large tent, there is also a capacious “dining hall” tent that serves the customers of the 20 food carts on site. Even more, guests will find a new large restroom facility on the property, too.

At the east end of the cart pod, kids and their parents are having fun in the new “Kids Play Area” – it’s the only food cart pod to offer such an amenity.

Also new is a covered stage area with a sound system. “We plan to have two events here every week – DJ music, comedy shows, live bands – or it could just be an ‘open mic’ session,” announced Badwaik.

By the way, “well behaved” dogs are allowed in this pod, Badwaik said. “This is a place where you can comfortably bring the entire family!”

Portland District 3 City Councilor Angelita Morillo snips the ceremonial ribbon, signaling the official opening of the all-new Foster Food Carts, as owner Nik Badwaik looks on.

For more information about Foster Food Carts, see their Instagram page: CLICK HERE.

Comments are closed.