Pho Gabo has been a cornerstone of Northeast Portland, Oregon, serving authentic Vietnamese cuisine to our community since 2018, and the location has been a Vietnamese stable since the 70s.. This beloved local business represents the best of Portland’s diverse culinary landscape, offering a taste of Vietnamese culture and tradition that has been cherished by generations.

Recently, Pho Gabo has come under threat due to ongoing complaints from a new neighbor regarding the smell of grilled meat. These complaints have led to fines totaling over $2,000, with threats of doubling this amount monthly, putting an undue burden on an established local business striving to serve our community. The actions taken against Pho Gabo raise concerns about fairness, due diligence in neighborhood disputes, and the standards by which odor violations are assessed and enforced.

Our Demands:

Waive All Fees: We call on the city to waive all fines accrued by Pho Gabo related to the complaints about food odors and to refund any payments already made. It is unjust to penalize a longstanding business for conducting normal operations that have been accepted for decades.

Revise Odor Guidelines: We urge the city to revise the guidelines for odor violations to ensure they are objective and fair. The current subjective standard, based on individual perception, is not a reasonable basis for punitive action against businesses.

Investigate Enforcement Practices: We request an open investigation into the practices of Justin Lindley of the Bureau of Development Services, who has been issuing these fines. There is a concern that a double standard is being applied, unfairly targeting Pho Gabo while similar complaints against larger chains or other businesses in the area are ignored.

Pho Gabo is more than a restaurant; it is a vital part of Portland’s cultural and culinary heritage. The city’s commitment to supporting businesses and fostering diversity must be reflected in actions, not just words. We stand with Pho Gabo and call for immediate action to address these unjust penalties, to review and revise the city’s policies on odor violations, and to ensure fair treatment for all businesses in Portland.

Your Support: By signing this petition, you are not just supporting Pho Gabo; you are advocating for the principles of fairness, diversity, and the vibrant culinary culture that makes Portland unique. Let’s come together as a community to protect our local businesses and the rich tapestry of cultures they represent.