Business BRIEFS

Published 12:00 am Saturday, December 23, 2023

Southeast couple launches new “healthy dogfood” business: Paul and Mary grew up in Southeast Portland, and eventually met and married. Now, as Paul and Mary Mardesch, they nursed their dog Charlie to a longer life that it had appeared he would have using fresh foods they formulated with expert advice into a healthy diet for dogs. Encouraged by their experience with Charlie, they decided to pursue the business, and consulted with a certified veterinarian nutritionist to develop the recipes behind their new “Fetch” dog food offering. The dog foods they offer are prepared by experienced chefs in a USDA-certified kitchen on S.E. Foster Road. Now, they are not only selling these dog foods, but they are experimenting with home delivery. One of the stores selling “Fetch” dog foods is Natural Pet Solutions, on S.E. 17th Avenue in Sellwood-Moreland. Find out more about the company, the dog foods, and the home delivery, online – http://www.feedfetch.com

What challenges of working from home could bring you to this organization?: The Association of Home Businesses, a Portland-based nonprofit business association for those working from home and small businesses, has been meeting monthly for over thirty years. Yet, many working from home believe they could not benefit by networking with others who are doing the same thing. At its annual General Meeting this January, the organization invites members and interested people in the community to attend – at which AHB will seek ideas about what aspects of working from home, that attendees suggest, could make this inexpensive business association devoted specifically to them more attractive, as a resource for what they are already doing. Are there services and opportunities that AHB could offer which would make attending its meetings more valuable? You’re invited to brainstorm and offer ideas at the meeting, from 7 to 9 on Thursday evening, January 18, at SMILE Station, S.E. 13th at Tenino (one block south of Tacoma Street) in Sellwood. There’ll be a free buffet supper for attendees who RSVP, too. RSVP to communications@ahboregon.org, or call 503-757-0014. Online at: http://www.ahboregon.org

of “PDX Sliders” dies: KATU-TV2 television announced, on Saturday, December 2, that the owner of “PDX Sliders” restaurant on S.E. Bybee at 15th, in Westmoreland across from the Post Office, had died. The owner, Ryan Rollins, a Cleveland High graduate, got his start by opening a food cart, “PDX Sliders” – and later opened three fixed-location restaurants under the same name – one of which is the Westmoreland location. Jan Watt of Cleveland High told THE BEE that Rollins was 43, and had been a “fantastic contributor” to CHS – hiring students, donating to school organizations, and sponsoring at least eight years of alumni fundraisers. She added, “He was generous to a fault, and he will be sorely missed by a great many people.” Rollins reportedly died in his sleep of a heart attack; he leaves a wife and daughter. The business is expected to continue in operation.

Opening by January 1st — “Pure Green Juice + Smoothie Bar”: Ms. Parvaneh Kalantari, an Eastmoreland resident and a longtime realtor, tells THE BEE, “I have a passion for bringing people together, supporting our local small business owners, and cultivating healthy environments, especially for young adults. A very large reason why I am pouring so much love and hard work into bringing this space to life, is to make sure our young adults have a space where they will always feel safe, accepted, and welcome. As a working Mom of four I have always been slightly bummed with the lack of fresh, healthy, grab-and-go options in our neighborhood. I am thrilled to be able to finally fill that large void for our Southeast Community!” Offered will be Cold-Pressed Juices, Immunity Shots, Handcrafted Smoothies, Açai Bowls, Oatmeal Bowls, Toasts, and more. Locally sourced fruits and vegetables with Organic, Gluten free and Vegan options available. “Pure Green Juice + Smoothie Bar” to open at 7117 S.E. Milwaukie Avenue, in Westmoreland. “Northeast corner of the Meetinghouse apartment building, across from Snap Fitness.”

BEE reader opens new business oriented to aging in place: Lisa Warnock writes, “After years of working in large firms designing high-end senior living communities all over the country (and in China too), I have decided that I want to help my local communities’ elders with aging in place. For those more interested in staying in their own homes, either because of personal preferences, or financial decisions, I aim to help people reinvent their homes to be more aging friendly. I also am planning to provide access to the specialized furniture, fabrics, and accessory lines that are specifically designed to be senior friendly, but which have, until now, only been available to be purchased commercially.” If interested in learning more, contact her at 503/481-6770, or via email at – lisa@glowinteriordesigns.com