Full Breakdown
Closure of Sheridan Fruit Company Marks End of an Era in Portland
2/13/2026, 11:27:34 AM
Announcement of Closure
Sheridan Fruit Company, one of Portland's oldest independent grocers, is set to close its doors after 110 years of operation. The final day of service will be Friday, February 13, 2026. Located at 409 S.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Sheridan has been a staple in the community, known for its commitment to local farmers and its role in the city's culinary traditions. In a statement, the company expressed gratitude to its customers, stating, “Since 1916, it has been our greatest honor to be a part of your kitchens, your holiday traditions, and your daily lives.”
Historical Significance
Founded in 1916 by John Sheridan and later purchased by the Poleo brothers in 1946, Sheridan Fruit Company has been a significant part of Portland's Produce Row, a once-thriving area of family-owned grocers. Over the decades, the store has weathered numerous challenges, including two world wars, the Great Depression, and multiple pandemics. However, the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted its operations, leading to a decline in both retail and wholesale business.
Challenges Leading to Closure
The store's leadership cited several factors contributing to its closure, including difficulties in maintaining inventory, loss of wholesale customers, and decreased foot traffic. Company President Anne Barwick noted that the pandemic significantly affected their ability to serve local restaurants, which were crucial to their wholesale business. “It’s just never been able to come back,” Barwick stated, reflecting on the struggles faced by the business in recent years.
Community Impact
The closure of Sheridan Fruit Company represents not just the loss of a grocery store but also the end of a historical legacy in Portland. Local residents have expressed their sadness over the impending closure, with many noting the gradual decline in inventory and the emotional connection they have to the store. Melanie Katz, a regular customer, remarked on the empty shelves, stating, “It has been this gradual decrease of the inventory on shelves, more empty spaces and that became empty aisles.”
Official Statements & Responses
In its farewell message, Sheridan Fruit Company thanked its staff and customers for their loyalty over the years. The company emphasized its pride in supporting local farmers and being a part of the community for over a century. The sentiment was echoed by Barwick, who expressed heartbreak over the loss of local restaurants that were once vital to their business.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Sheridan Fruit Company,” — Sheridan Fruit Company
- “Since 1916, it has been our greatest honor to be a part of your kitchens, your holiday traditions, and your daily lives,” — Sheridan Fruit Company
- “We still have very few, but so many of them — it just broke our hearts to see them go.” — Anne Barwick, President of Sheridan Fruit Company
- “I picked it up because I wanted a little piece of this Portland history to bring with me even as it closes down,” — Melanie Katz, Customer
The closure of Sheridan Fruit Company serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by small businesses in the wake of the pandemic and the lasting impact they have on their communities.
