AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 15, 2026
Southern Restaurant Grits N’ Gravy Returns to Downtown Portland
After more than three months of closure, Grits N’ Gravy has resumed operations in downtown Portland. The Southern brunch spot, which built a local following with dishes such as fried catfish and shrimp and grits, opened its doors again on October 5 at 215 SW 6th Ave.
New Ownership Marks a Fresh Start
The restaurant is now owned by Jesús Alejandro Chipres, whose journey with Grits N’ Gravy began as a dishwasher. Chipres gradually advanced to service leader and has now taken the helm as owner. His leadership marks a new chapter for the establishment amid Portland dining’s shifting landscape.
History of Grits N’ Gravy and Previous Closure
Brandon Stevens founded Grits N’ Gravy in late 2021. Known for its Southern food, the restaurant quickly gained popularity among those looking for classic comfort dishes. However, in the summer of 2025, management announced through social media that they were experiencing a significant customer decline. This led to the decision to close, initially scheduled for June 26, but the doors were shuttered earlier than announced.
Transition of Restaurant Ownership
The new owner, Jesús Alejandro Chipres, described his experience in reaching out to founder Brandon Stevens after the closure. “After this, I called the owner, and I go, ‘Hey, what’s going on? What happened?’” Chipres told local media. He met with Stevens to present his plan for reviving the southern restaurant, which ultimately resulted in Chipres taking over and preparing for the reopening.
Signature Southern Dishes Return
Fans of Grits N’ Gravy can expect a continued focus on the Southern brunch experience the restaurant is known for. Menu favorites such as fried catfish and shrimp and grits remain central to the offerings as Chipres leads the business into its next phase.
Restaurant Reopening After Customer Decline
The reopening of Grits N’ Gravy brings fresh optimism following a period marked by customer decline and a high-profile restaurant closure. With local restauranteur Jesús Alejandro Chipres now in charge, the downtown Portland staple looks to rebuild its customer base and continue serving traditional Southern cuisine.
Source: koin.com.
