When told their long-time employer, the Refectory restaurant, was closing after more than 40 years of operation, Portland natives Jason and Stephanie Kindle had hard decisions to make. While working side by side at the Refectory—he rising to management after nearly 20 years, and she a bartender/server for more than a decade–not only did they fall in love, but also got married and started a family.
The Kindles loved their job, co-workers and customers at east Portland’s iconic restaurant so much, faced with losing it all, they committed to opening their own place.
With the Refectory’s owners Mitch and Cee Cee Stanley retiring, and to capitalize on the iconic east Portland restaurant’s well-established customer base, they needed to secure a place nearby in a timely manner.
In August, longtime Refectory restaurant workers Jason and Stephanie Kindle took the plunge and bought their own restaurant in the Mill Park neighborhood. Naming it Bridge City Taproom, they are creating a family sports bar atmosphere where minors are not only welcomed but also encouraged; they pose with their girls, eight-year-old Lillian and six-year-old Olivia.
Mid-county Memo photos/Tim Curran
While in negotiations to buy the Dog House Saloon in the Mill Park neighborhood about a mile south, the Refectory closed in February 2013. When the deal fell through and the Dog House was sold to another buyer in August 2013, Jason got a job while Stephanie stayed home with the kids. Undaunted, it was not long before they entered negotiations to lease the building formerly housing Yaw’s Restaurant in Gateway; however, that fell through too.
Earlier this year, Kindle revisited the Dog House’s new owner, who was having problems making it work and came to a sale agreement. “Ironically, this was the first place we looked at,” Kindle said. “We wanted to stay in the neighborhood, but we couldn’t make it work.”
Renaming it Bridge City Taproom, Kindle credits his father Tom’s solid support and sedulous help in bringing their dream to fruition. Kindle also knows the challenges facing him, but said he is confident because not only has he received his family’s full support, but also help from their Refectory family. “It wasn’t easy; I know the hard work starts now,” Kindle said. “But with my Dad’s help, I think we have a good chance because we’re getting a lot of support from our Refectory family.” He added, “There’s no boss or managers here … we’re on the same team, and we all work together towards the same goal.”
Much of that support comes in the form of former Refectory employees like former GM Ed Olson, who took a step back to become one of the Taproom’s bartenders, along with Refectory vets Jessica Cunningham, Heather McCarthy and server Laura Bierbrauer. Chef Gary King, who put in more than 30 years at the Refectory, runs the kitchen with help from Arturo Perez and Yincase Arzate.
With no price point on his menu more than $11, Kindle said he wants exceptional food and service to drive the place. “It’s about food; it’s about service,” Kindle said. “And with our third child on the way, it’s about family.” With their own family of two girls, ages six and eight, and a third child on the way, they always envisioned a place in which their kids could be safe and comfortable. Kindle said his goal is to create a comfortable and inviting casual space for friends and family to hang out and enjoy good food and drinks. “I know it sounds funny,” Kindle said, “but we’re going for a family sports bar.”
Hospitality industry careers are neither long-term nor lucrative; however, people like the Kindles, who are not only good at their jobs but also love them, are usually successful.
“I admire them,” said Jerry Danna, who co-owns the Elmer’s restaurant 22 blocks away. “I gotta give it to them. It takes a lot of courage to go out on a limb like that and start a new restaurant these days; I wish them all the best.”
Count the Stanleys as admirers also. “Jason and Stephanie have a great work ethic,” said Mitch. “They’ll do really well because they are hard workers and have great personalities.” He added, “I have no doubt they’ll be successful and Cee Cee and I wish them all the best.”
Open Monday thru Friday at 11 a.m., 9 on weekends, Bridge City Taproom is at 620 S.E. 122nd Ave. in the Mill Park neighborhood. The phone number is 971-202-7267, and their Facebook page is www.Facebook.com/BridgeCityTaproom.
