Po’ Shines Cafe De La Soul, located in North Portland, is more than a soul food restaurant. Although it started as a myriad of secretarial services serving the local community, it quickly became a cornerstone of community empowerment and culinary excellence. Known for its rich Southern flavors and commitment to social good, Po’ Shines has carved out a unique place in Portland’s dining scene since its founding in 2003. Thanks to a generous donation by Decon Cecil “Po’ Shine’s” Wooden, the restaurant, part of the Celebration Tabernacle, located at 8131 N. Denver Avenue, Portland, OR, is celebrated for serving authentic soul food while giving back through its nonprofit arm.
Over the years, Po’ Shines has earned a variety of accolades. It has been featured in publications like The Oregonian and Eater for its outstanding contributions to Portland’s food culture. In 2019, it won the “Best Soul Food” category in the Willamette Week‘s Best of Portland Reader’s Poll, cementing its reputation as a must-visit spot for soul food in the Northwest. The restaurant has also been praised for its philanthropic work, blending social responsibility with culinary artistry.
We enjoyed sitting with Co-Founders John Tolbert and Pastor E.D. Mondainé to learn more about Po Shine’s phenomenon. When we asked Pastor Mondainé to tell us about himself, he said, “I’m here on a mission, and I’ve been on this mission for 40 years. It’s a delightful ride, and I’m excited to be in this part of the country and here at this particular time in history.” He explained, “Po’ Shin’s is not just a restaurant; it’s an institution built on hope, promise, and necessary energy for Black commerce and entrepreneurship. We need our culture [and] our people to become a very present help in a time of need. We go past the belly and impact their souls.”
John Tolbert, originally from Wellington, Kansas, came to Portland in 1978 with his mother, who helped guide him away from the wrong path he seemed to be going down. He said the relocation “made a huge difference in [his] life. As a result… in 1988 they began toward building a beautiful church called Celebration Tabernacle.” There is a fantastic miracle story about how the church started, but you must ask John to explain the three-legged dog while you eat their scrumptious meals.
At the heart of Po’ Shines’ mission is the Teach Me to Fish program, a nonprofit initiative that offers culinary and job-training opportunities to underserved youth and adults. Teach Me to Fish equips participants with food preparation, catering, and customer service skills, helping them gain valuable job experience that leads to long-term career success. John explained that the initiative was started by the elders in the church, who recognized a young lady with extraordinary talents who did not know how to hone her gifts. The church saw the opportunity and guided the young lady. That led to the concept that more community members might need a second chance in life after hard times. By creating a pipeline from training to employment, the program serves individuals and strengthens the local workforce, a testament to Po’ Shines’ commitment to community transformation. John went on, “The unique thing about TMTF is that we were able to touch [many people] who could take the skills they learned and go back into the workforce. A lot of them are managers of restaurants, running their own restaurants, having their own locations, and doing things that are impacting the community. And it came from the concepts of them developing their own gifts so that they would be better to serve the community.”
On the menu, Po’ Shines offers dishes that keep customers returning. Their signature fried catfish, seasoned to perfection and crispy on the outside, is a crowd favorite. The slow-cooked smoked ribs, another classic, are tender, flavorful, and a must-try for barbecue lovers. The fried chicken, coated in a unique house blend of spices, is a comfort food staple with a loyal following. Additionally, the restaurant’s shrimp and grits, creamy and spiced with a Southern flair, are highly rated and loved by locals and visitors alike.
Po’ Shines is more than just a place to eat; it’s a beacon of hope and opportunity in North Portland. By bringing people together over soul food while investing in their futures. Po’ Shines exemplifies the power of community-focused dining. For anyone looking to experience delicious, authentic soul food with a mission, Po’ Shines is a Portland treasure.
