A Cult-Favorite Burger Pop-Up Goes Permanent With a New Cart

Champs Burger, one of Portland’s best burger pop-ups, will soon open a cart at Away Days Brewing Co. The Champs Burger pop-up, run by Travis Wilshire and Sterling Houghton, had developed a cult-following for its burgers since it began in 2023; the cart, set to open in the next month, is its first permanent location.

While the menu at Champs is still evolving, the daily driver at the cart will be the eponymous Champ burger, available as a single or a double. The burger is made with dry-aged beef and topped with American cheese, onions, pickles, and a special sauce. Look forward to additional rotating specials as well, which include thick pub-style patties and smash burgers prepared on the flattop and charbroiled. In addition to its high-quality meat, what sets Champs apart from other burgers in town are the pillowy buns made in-house. Champs will also offer rotating cookies with flavors like chopped chocolate chips, s’mores, salted honey, and milk corn.

Champs Burger

L’Echelle looks for investors

As L’Echelle winds down its pop-up at the end of the year, restaurateur Luke Dirks is looking to fund a permanent form of the restaurant. In an Instagram post, he explains the community-funded investment model with perks like advanced reservations, a direct line to the maître d’ for last-minute bookings, and members-only community nights. Those interested can reach out to [email protected] for more information.

New York-style pizza in Portland

Bridgetown Bites reports a new pizzeria will open in the former Blossoming Lotus space in mid-November. Operated by a father-daughter duo, the restaurant will serve pizza by the slice and the full pie. The interior of the space has also been renovated to reflect its new life as a pizza parlor, complete with plenty of screens to watch sports over some slices.

Update: November 12, 2024, 3:08 p.m. PST: This story has been updated to clarify the Champs Burger opening timeline.