Chicken chat

Chicken is having a moment in Gresham, and we’re here for it! Have you tried any good chicken lately? Maybe you’re into crispy tenders or a crunchy sandwich.

Things are getting saucy too – BBQ sauce is great, but have you had katsu sauce on your chicken sando?

If not, head to Tanaka in the Civic Neighborhood for a Japanese-inspired chicken experience. We’re also excited for Dave’s Hot Chicken, opening May 2 on Burnside and Eastman Parkway.

And we’ve heard through the cluckvine that Raising Cane’s is eyeing Gresham for a location. Nothing’s confirmed yet, and no permits have been filed.

How chains come to roost

It’s always fun to see new franchises come to Gresham. But do chains pick us, or do we pick them?

We asked the City’s Economic Development team how it all works.

“It’s a little bit of both,” says Erika Fitzgerald, Senior Economic Development Specialist.

Big national chains have a specific process for picking new locations, based on factors like who’s already in the area and the local demographics.

Photo: Chicken katsu sando and nuggets at Tanaka in Civic Neighborhood.

For chicken spots, Gresham tends to be on their radar. Brokers work with property managers to find the right locations.

For businesses like Trader Joe’s, though, the City worked hard to build a relationship and attract them here.

And word spreads fast – creating a domino effect.

 “Now In-N-Out Burger is interested in Gresham, and that could be because they heard Trader Joe’s is coming or because Tanaka’s is already here,” Fitzgerald explains.

“It’s a great sign to see so many big brands coming to Gresham.”

The woo factor

The Economic Development Team is working on a retail commercial recruitment strategy to attract even more businesses to Gresham.

“We’re focusing on four groups we need to serve better: recreationalists, foodies, young adults and families,” Fitzgerald says.

But let’s not forget about the small businesses. They are the heartbeat of our community, and we encourage you to check out the awesome chicken dishes being served up at local spots around Gresham.

“We’re always working with our small businesses and offering support,” says GeriLinn Van Beek, Economic Development Specialist.

“We need both – small businesses and big chains – and they balance each other out.”

The goal, Fitzgerald adds, is that new retail spots will also draw in visitors who are passing through Gresham.

“So maybe they’ll stop for lunch, then stroll through historic downtown and get an ice cream or a cupcake,” she says.

“It’s our way of getting people to stop in Gresham, and hopefully they stay for a while.”

A young mother and her two children enjoy dinner outside at Tanaka on Civic Drive in Gresham.

Tanaka restaurant sits next to the Civic Station MAX stop for easy access to commuters coming and going in Gresham.