Local
Portland’s Grits N’ Gravy returns with a former dishwasher at the helm
Grits N’ Gravy has reopened in downtown Portland under Jesús Alejandro Chipres, who worked his way through the restaurant’s kitchen and dining room before taking ownership. The diner is serving familiar Southern-inspired dishes daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Grits N’ Gravy has reopened in downtown Portland under new owner Jesús Alejandro Chipres, who began at the Southern-inspired diner as a dishwasher and worked his way through nearly every part of its operation.
The restaurant closed abruptly in June after five years in business. Its former owners cited declining business and financial challenges. Chipres has since taken over and is bringing back many of the menu items regulars knew, while making changes based on what he and the staff learned during the closure.
“I’m a little nervous and happy,” Chipres said in a social media video. Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, he has lived in the United States for 34 years and eventually settled in Portland. At Grits N’ Gravy, he moved from dishwashing to kitchen prep and sauté work, then to expo, bussing and serving.
The menu continues to feature Southern American comfort food, including shrimp and grits served in two styles: a spicy red version and a smooth, creamy one. Other returning dishes include chicken-fried steak, fried catfish, trout, and fried chicken and waffles. The restaurant also offers sausage, country, onion and red-eye gravies, along with beignets and Café du Monde coffee.
Grits N’ Gravy was founded by Brandon Stevens, whose family has a history in Southern-style cooking. His grandparents opened The Stagecoach in Sacramento in 1978, and the family’s restaurant tradition later passed to his father, Derrick.
Chipres said he wants the reopened diner to retain its welcoming, family-friendly feel while improving the customer experience. He said he checks in with diners so the team can address concerns and encourage people to return.
“We are going to give it our all as we reopen and improve,” he said. The restaurant is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Portland. Quotes from Chipres were translated from Spanish into English.