In 2010, the business was among 14 businesses which applied for exemption of an ordinance "specifically prohibiting the storage of trash receptacles in public rights-of-way, except for collection purposes".[7] In 2014, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) temporarily suspended the business' liquor license. In response, Silver Dollar posted a sign on the door which said, "The OLCC has ludicrously decided to punish us ... because we allowed a minor to work in our kitchen."[4]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, owner Sam MacBale initially supported the mask mandates, social distancing requirements, and business occupancy limits proposed by the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division and the OLCC.[8] In 2020, he received a permit for outdoor seating from the Winter Healthy Businesses Program. The patio was covered and lights and plants were added.[9]
In 2021, one person was killed and two more were injured after a shooting at the restaurant.[10][11] A suspect was arrested approximately six months later.[12][13][14]
Affiliated businesses
Logo for Silver Dollar II
MacBale converted La Bella Napoli into Silver Dollar II Pizza Sports Bar, or simply Silver Dollar II.[15] The sports bar was "recently closed", as of October 2014.[16] By 2015, Silver Dollar II was replaced by Broadway on Deck, an outpost of On Deck Sports Bar Grill.[17]The Oregonian said Silver Dollar II operated on Northwest Fifth Avenue, as of 2022.[18]
Silver Dollar Pizza is also affiliated with nearby Underdog Sportsbar.[4]
Reception
In 2018, Ben Stone and Tyler Pell of Willamette Week called Silver Dollar the "most high-octane" option for table tennis in Portland.[19] Alex Frane included Silver Dollar in Eater Portland's 2019 list of 15 "ideal Portland sports bars for catching the game", in which he wrote, "The pizza itself isn't mind-blowing, but slices are reliable, cheap, and good for soaking up some draught beers and cheap well drinks."[3]
