In today's world, Cart Blocks has become a topic of great interest and debate. Whether due to its historical relevance, impact on contemporary society or its influence on popular culture, Cart Blocks is a phenomenon that does not go unnoticed. In this article, we will explore this topic in depth from different perspectives, analyzing its evolution over time, its meaning today and its future projection. Additionally, we will examine how Cart Blocks has been approached by various experts and how it has impacted different areas of daily life. This analysis will allow us to better understand the importance and relevance of Cart Blocks in today's society.
Cart Blocks is a food cart pod in Portland, Oregon's Ankeny Square, in the United States. It is operated by Friends of the Green Loop[1] and has capacity for 24 to 26 carts.[2]
The pod opened in 2021, following closure of the Alder Street food cart pod in 2019.[3][4] Permitting for the pod took longer than expected.[5] Some of the food carts that had been displaced by the closing and developing of the former location were temporarily housed at a nearby Post Office and eventually moved here to continue their businesses.[6]
The pod is part of a vision to revitalize downtown Portland through building a “culinary corridor,” which would allow carts to occupy parking spaces across several North-South blocks[7] stretching from Portland State University to NW Burnside Blvd as part of the Green Loop.[8] Former mayor Ted Wheeler supported the Cart Blocks by setting aside financing for them in his budget recommendations for 2021[9] and a federal grant was obtained in 2022 to connect the Cart Blocks with Darcelle XV Plaza.[10]
The city hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the pod's opening.[11] In December 2023, Portland signed a five-year deal to keep the pod open.[12]
Events
The pod has hosted events. In 2023, the site hosted a floral installation,[13] as well as a dance party and ice cream social following the Pride Bike Ride.[14][15][16] In 2024, the Cart Blocks hosted another dance party for Pride[17] and a Juneteenth market highlighting Black-owned businesses.[18] In 2025, the pod hosted "illuminated" performances as part of an LEDdrag show.[19]
Businesses
Rachel & Rose, 2022
Businesses that have operated at the site include: