Local businesses ‘very excited’ to be part of new PDX terminal experience

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — On the eve of a new terminal opening at Portland International Airport , local businesses are excited to make their debut

The renovated space returns a pre-security shopping and dining experience to the public, representing much more than a travel pit stop.

PDX has had a reputation for being a showcase for the Rose City’s legendary food scene and boasting unique retail experiences, some of the reasons it’s routinely ranked as one of the best airports in the country, Travel Portland President and CEO Jeff Miller told KOIN 6 News.

“PDX is the first and last impression for many of our visitors and the renovation of the main terminal is certain to make it a positive one,” Miller said. “PDX is a shining star in our city’s tourism assets and we often refer to it as one of the city’s best neighborhoods.”

After four years of construction and months of delays , the new terminal will finally open to the public on Wednesday. The 1-million-square-foot space brings with it an eye-popping, locally sourced slatted wood ceiling, 72 live trees to immerse travelers in the Pacific Northwest and some local businesses who are being represented in the airport for the very first time.

Orox Leather Marketing Director Levi Martinez told KOIN 6 News their store will be the first Latino-owned retail location at PDX, though there are already Latino-owned restaurants.

“We’re overjoyed by it,” Martinez said “We’ve been working very hard on the production floor. So you’ll you’ll get that nice scent of leather as well as the wood at the airport.”

Orox Leather , specializing in locally sourced leather goods, will be one of the first four businesses people will see coming out of security.

“I’m very excited to be a part of that. For our family to be able to put something together that really represents the Latino community here in Portland,” Martinez said.

Of course, when hunger calls, there will be plenty of dining options at the new PDX terminal. That includes the airport debut of local wood-fired pizza joint Oven and Shaker .

“I mean, even having the opportunity to to get a space within any kind of airport, especially the International Airport, is kind of one in 1000. So I mean, I really feel like I hit the jackpot,” Oven and Shaker Co-Founder Ryan Magarian told KOIN 6 News.

Magarian said he thinks the new terminal and its slew of new shopping options will be a win for Portland.

“I just hope that really drives a sense of purpose, just a sense of excitement in this city to kind of just keep pushing forward, and just another thing we can be proud of,” Magarian said. “I just feel, honestly, just super blessed to have that space and to be a part of that.”

The $2 billion renovation of PDX has more construction to complete. While Wednesday’s opening marks the end of Phase One of construction, Phase Two is set to begin on Thursday and last through the Winter of 2025/26.

Another highly anticipated feature of the new terminal is the return of the iconic PDX carpet .

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