PORTLAND, Ore. — The excessive heat in Portland is directly impacting food cart vendors, many of whom don't have air conditioning but choose to stay open in the scorching temperatures.
"Because we want our customers to be happy, you know?" said Guilbert Macalanda, the owner of JGM Delicacies in Southeast Portland. "And they can buy here anytime."
Macalanda told KGW that he enjoys sharing his authentic Filipino food even on days it reaches triple-digit temperatures. He said he relies on water and short breaks outside — away from this burning stove that contributes to the oppressive heat inside.
"When you're cooking, it's around 90 or 95 degrees," Macalanda said.
Being open for the last four years, he's used to how warm it gets inside, but that doesn't help with how his body reacts, regardless of precautions.
"You know, like a headache and sometimes dizzy. But what to do?" Macalanda said. "This is our job, to serve the customers and them be happy."
It's a struggle other food cart vendors know very well, like Leonel Avila, the owner of Don Jalapeños.
"But we still need to work so here we are," Avila said.
Avila told KGW that it gets up to 120 degrees inside of his food cart during the peak of the heat. And while it's unbearable, he is also happy to share his love for food with the community.
"It's difficult," Avila said. "It's difficult because it's hot, but you need to stay hydrated — and better yet, eat a good meal."
Like Macalanda, Avila said he sells about half of his regular orders during a heat wave like this one. But they also see more to-go orders through food delivery services — and it's something they’re both grateful for.