Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 28, 2016)
Page 10 Minority & Small Business Week September 28, 2016 Chef Grows Recipe into Best Eats C ontinued froM p age 6 up north, to open Dub’s in the St. Johns neighborhood. The new location serves everything from brisket, to catfish, to cheesecake, while also being able to accommo- date vegetarian diets and veg- an ones upon request. “The menu is made of things that I grew up eating or would fix for myself at home,” says Dub. The venture has led to an award-winning establish- ment, honored as one of Wil- lamette Week’s best cheap eats, and a growing source for catering opportunities. According to Dub, they cater quite a few times a week, any- where from 15 to 200 people for private events, from big- ger companies like Occiden- tal Brewing to smaller group events from the Mayor’s of- fice. Dub’s is located inside one of the oldest longshore bars in Portland, the Ranger Tavern. Its close location to the ports brings in many of the workers whose livelihood depends on the waterfront, not to men- tion Dub’s support of the In- ternational Longshore and Warehouse Union. Since the location is outside St. Johns’ downtown business district, Dub feels his recipes have surpassed distance, making his restaurant a true destina- tion point. On top of being the pre- dominate chef at Dub’s, the father of three is also a mu- sician (as one half of the duo Mack & Dub) as well as a car- ing philanthropist. “I’m all about seeing the next generation succeed. I just want to be a role mod- el for that, especially all the violence that’s happening within the community,” says Dub. “I feel the kids don’t see a future or a value in nature or the world, so I try to reach out to people on an individual basis.” Last year, Dub fundraised for Sitton Elementary School and was able to buy the 4th, 5th and 6th grade boys and girls basketball team uni- forms, as well as the junior varsity and varsity cheerlead- ing squad uniforms for Roos- evelt High School. Having attended Jefferson High himself, Dub soon plans on working with them, but his main focus is spreading pos- itivity and encouragement to local youth. “I want them to know that I’m here to talk. I’m here to inspire, to coach, to give them a hug. Whatever they need,” says Dub. “I’m here to show them how to be an entrepre- neur, how to make it through the hard times and still be giving and thankful for what they have.” If you’ve got craving for some hearty chicken and waffles or some catfish, visit Dub’s at 9520 N. Lombard. Dub is almost always in the kitchen and almost always down for a chat, so feel free to say hello to him. “It’s really important to me to be a role model for both men and women. All of this is my neighborhood. Portland is just my town.” Entrepreneur Inspired C ontinued froM p age 7 by one of black culture’s most prized aesthetic apparel pos- sessions, followed his impresa- rio path from start to finish. As a child, Williams’ love for sneakers surpassed his fam- ily’s financial means, but that didn’t stop him from pulling inspiration from his favorite facet of attire. Sketches and il- lustrations of his dream sneak- er creations paid off in the long run. Using his warm and wel- coming personality, Williams networked his way from work- ing as a janitor at the Nike air- bag factory to designing shoes for them. After three years of conversing with Nike bigwigs as he cleaned up around the factory, Williams pitched one of his designs to the company. The “Wet Floor” sneaker, inspired by the brightly hued signs he posted around the fac- tory after mopping, was the yellow high top that started it all. But Williams spent five years making sneaker designs before leaving in pursuit of a more diverse, communal busi- ness venture. In his mind, coffee shops are the ultimate hub of building relationships and community. Though breaking into Port- land’s elite coffee world was more difficult than presently thought, Williams prevailed and Deadstock Coffee opened in Chinatown in February of this year. Deadstock is like the Cheers bar of coffee, where anyone from any background can come and feel welcomed. Shows like “A Different World” play on the television displayed above the coffee bar, nestled in between walls adorned with sneakers and funky art. The shop carries coffee from Dapper & Wise Roasters in Hillsboro as well as chocolate and syrup flavors from Portland company Holy Kakow. On top of getting a killer cup of coffee, you can also get your sneakers cleaned up and detailed. Talk about premium service! Deadstock Coffee is locat- ed at 408 N.W. Couch St. For hours or more information on sneakers, visit deadstockcof- fee.com or call 971-506-5903.