“Rock’n’Roll Burger Bar” Foster Burger Is Closing

Managerial changes, upcoming restaurant prospects and a proposition made by next door neighbor Thunderbird Bar to buy the space convinced ownership to sell.

(Leah Nash)
By Jordan Montero

Portland is soon going to have to look elsewhere for a lamb-pattied Kiwi Burger or chocolate milkshakes fixed with a shot of Jameson.

Foster Burger, the self-proclaimed "rock'n'roll burger bar" at 5339 SE Foster Rd., is closing this Sunday, just short of its 10-year anniversary.

The restaurant, founded by Pok Pok's Andy Ricker and partner Daniel Mondok, opened in 2011. A year later, the restaurant group Chefstable took the reigns, eventually implementing St. Jack and La Moule chef Aaron Barnett to curate a menu that included classics like poutine and originals like the Frenchy, a sandwich stacked with brie and grilled apple.

Managerial changes, upcoming restaurant prospects and a proposition made by next door neighbor Thunderbird Bar to buy the space convinced ownership to sell, according to Chefstable co-owner Kurt Huffman.

"It was a longer run than I think anybody expected," Huffman says. "Who would have thought the restaurant we opened for 20 grand would stay open for 10 years?"

Related: Bless Your Heart Burgers Is Opening a Second Location in Northeast Portland.

Explore more on:

burgersChefstableFoster BurgerKurt Huffmanrestaurant closuresThunderbird

Jordan Montero

Jordan Montero

Jordan writes about music and other A&C-related matters. You can typically find him staring into space on the MAX, hailing "2001: A Space Odyssey" as a flawless movie or showing off his collection of Steely Dan vinyl.

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office.

Help us dig deeper.

Support