PORTLAND, Ore. — A food cart pod in the middle of Portland State University's (PSU) campus will remain open. It was at risk of shutting down this summer if vendors didn't connect to the city's sewer lines.
The pod sits near the Millar Library. It's made up of four carts: Asian Fusion, Home Taste, Khao Niew Lao Street Food and Sheesh Shawarma.
In February, university officials notified vendors that the pod would close by July 1 due to wastewater disposal and lack of infrastructure. The pod is not hooked up to the sewer system, and state and city regulations that changed in 2023 require additional infrastructure for pods around Portland. The Bureau of Environmental Services issued a compliance order after an inspector documented illicit disposal of grease and other debris to a storm water planter and storm drain.
KGW spoke to the owner of one of the food carts in April who had started a GoFundMe page with the goal of raising money to help cover the costs of adding infrastructure.
On Thursday, Portland State said it had received feedback from people who advocated for the pod. The university confirmed the pod will stay open.
"The PSU community made it clear that the Library carts are an important part of our campus, and we agree," said Jason Franklin, associate vice president for PSU’s Planning, Construction and Real Estate. "We’re happy that after careful consideration and assistance from the city of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services, we found a cost-effective solution that protects public health."
This summer, Portland State will install a new great interceptor system that will make the pod compliant with city wastewater disposal regulations. Portland State added that it will work with a contractor familiar with the pod and the regulations.
The food cart owners agreed to a rent increase to help cover maintenance costs, as well as weekly service and oversight of the new wastewater system, Portland State said.
