Spotlight: Bar Carlo

Nestled on bustling Foster Road in SE Portland, Bar Carlo serves a playfully inventive take on Mexican-American brunch, offering a welcoming space to savor fresh, comforting flavors in good company as well as a vibrant event space for celebrations of all sizes. Owner Mel shared the story of her business with us below.

Bar Carlo started in 2008 with a "hasty" opening, a modest investment from its initial founders, and a dream of Italian fine dining that pivoted to brunch soon after opening. We navigated an economic downturn, a steep learning curve, and a decade of being "eclectic and scrappy."

When the pandemic hit and the world slowed down, we went to work. With the help of my incredible team, I used that time to renovate the space. When we reopened, we had simplified our offerings and began working on the branding in earnest. Before long, the restaurant found its own vibe.

That reinvigoration opened doors I never expected: I was featured in a Comcast docu-series highlighting innovative business owners of color; I participated in the peer mentoring cohort at Xcelerate Women and I mentored former employees on their own entrepreneurial paths.

I started thinking about the business much differently than when I first started. I was able to accept the fact that our traffic was not sufficient to support both a day and night operation. With that, Bar Carlo pivoted to an event space at night and that protected our brunch identity as well.

Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to share that Bar Carlo has won an experiential marketing grant through SheScales. Throughout 2026, I’ll be working with a local agency to: Expand our Venue Services, Making Bar Carlo the go-to spot for your special events; Grow our Catering: Bringing a taste of Bar Carlo to your offices and homes; and Invest in our People: my ultimate goal remains the same—to provide better compensation and healthcare for my team. With that, I want our care to leave with the guest and touch the next person they encounter.

Thank you for being part of this 18-year journey. Whether you're here for a mimosa or hosting a private celebration, we are honored to be your source of warmth and hospitality.

See you at brunch!