An attempt to resurrect NE Portland’s old-school burger joint Yaw’s Top Notch Restaurant has failed after eight months. The Oregonian reports that despite signage suggesting the spot is “closed for repairs,” building owner Dan Barnes changed the locks earlier this week in a rent dispute.
Yaw’s Top Notch Revival Shutters After Eight Months
Erin DeJesus is contributing editor of Eater, and has held various writing and editing roles at the brand since 2010. A James Beard Award winner, she particularly loves working on stories about regional food traditions, brand shenanigans, and pop culture.
Yaw’s owner Stephen Yaw, whose father opened the original restaurant in the Hollywood District in 1926, admitted to the Oregonian that he owed back rent, and the Top Notch comeback has also been mired by “labor complaints and business partner squabbles,” including 18 complaints filed with the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries.
The original Yaw’s shuttered in 1982; Stephen Yaw first announced his plans to re-open the concept — moved out to NE 111th Avenue and Hasley — in May 2012. The new incarnation of Yaw’s Top Notch swung open its doors in August of that year.
· Revival of Portland’s Iconic Yaw’s Top Notch Restaurant Folds [OregonLive]
· Yaw’s Top Notch [Official site]
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