Word Is – 2013 Summer Chow

A new food cart has opened up in Veneta, off Hwy. 126 on the way to the coast (and the Oregon Country Fair). Johnny Riv’s Steakshack serves tri-tip, ribeye and “steak shack sliders” to those craving meat on weekend jaunts. Check out the Facebook page at http://wkly.ws/1ht.

Townshend’s Tea Co.’s new Eugene shop is now open at 41 W. Broadway, and those chairs and couches look darned comfy. Look for news at their Facebook page: http://wkly.ws/1hu.

The Pizza Research Institute will remain open at their current location the night of UO graduation, 6/17; then it will close and make the move to 325 Blair Blvd., with their grand opening on Friday, 7/5.

The much-anticipated Sizzle Pie location is set to open 6/14 at 910 Willamette. They’ll satisfy your late-night munchies and drunchies until 3 am Sunday to Thursday and 4 am Friday and Saturday.

Pony Express’ Erin Gilfillan has purchased the Friendly Street Market. The store will close in August for a remodel, and in the fall it will reopen, still as a market, but the café will be converted to a deli with meats, cheeses and sandwiches, and beer, wine and kombucha on tap for glass and growler fills. Gillifan is planning a new front patio space, with a sliding coffee window that will serve walkers and bicyclists. And in the spirit of Pony Express, they’re adding grocery delivery.

Craving cold beer and hot pastrami? It will be one-stop shopping for you when Falling Sky’s Pour House Delicatessen opens at 780 Blair Blvd. in July

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!