There was never any doubt about reconstructing the Portland Mercado after a fire destroyed the 7,000-square-foot Market Hall in January 2024, said Ernesto Fonseca, CEO of Hacienda CDC, the Latino-led organization that owns the Portland Mercado. The colorful marketplace and food cart pod in Southeast Portland started as a launchpad for Latino entrepreneurs but quickly evolved into a vital community hub. Since its opening in April 2015, the Mercado provided an affordable space to open and grow small businesses while also becoming a cherished gathering space for launching campaigns, celebrating holidays and community organizing. After vowing to return stronger than ever, Fonseca has announced plans to begin construction on Portland Mercado 2.0 in May, 10 years after the Mercado officially opened. Read more at the link in our bio. portlandmercado 📸: chiara.prof #mercado #themercado #portlandmercado #latinofood #latinocommunity #latinoentrepreneurs #smallbusiness #rebuild #fire #port...