Virginia Cafe

Virginia Cafe
Virginia Cafe in 2012
Map
Restaurant information
Established1914[1]
CityPortland
StateOregon
CountryUnited States
Coordinates45°31′08″N 122°40′57″W / 45.5189°N 122.6825°W / 45.5189; -122.6825
Websitewww.virginiacafepdx.com

Virginia Cafe, sometimes known colloquially as "VC",[2] is a restaurant and bar in Portland, Oregon.

History

While the origin of the café's name is unknown, the original Virginia Cafe was opened in 1914 at 1014 SW Stark Street by three Greek immigrant brothers (Theodore, William and Christopher Dussin) after they were laid off from their jobs. The brothers opened a second location at 725 SW Park Avenue in downtown Portland in 1922, which lasted until 2007 when it was replaced by a $150 million, 35-story office tower built by Tom Moyer's TMT Development firm.[2]

During Prohibition, when alcohol could not be served, the café made most of its money by selling sandwiches and soups to a lunch crowd. Ownership of the business was passed down to Christopher's son, Constantine "Guss" Dussin, then eventually Asa Arnsberg, a Portland real estate investor.[2] Both restaurants reportedly "thrived" during the 1940s and 1950s.[3]

Bob Rice owns the restaurant, as of 2017.[4]

References

  1. ^ "Five Portland Bars Over 100 Years Old". Willamette Week. May 11, 2016. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c Sanders, Jacob Quinn (February 2, 2007). "Virginia Cafe regulars need new bar stools". Portland Tribune. Retrieved September 17, 2010.
  3. ^ Butler, Grant (June 29, 2018). "Raise a glass to 30 great Portland bars that are still going strong". The Oregonian. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
  4. ^ Jaquiss, Nigel (October 29, 2017). "Gov. Kate Brown Names First Cannabis Industry Representative to Oregon Liquor Control Commission". Retrieved December 8, 2020.


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