PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — The owner of Pho Gabo has filed a multi-million-dollar lawsuit against the city of Portland after being forced to close one of his locations due to the city’s odor ordinance.
The lawsuit was filed by Eddie Dong’s attorneys, Kell, Alterman & Runstein LLP, citing both economic and personal damages because of his loss of income.
“They did something to me that is unfair, Dong told KATU. “[I feel] targeted. Betrayed.”
The complaints about Dong’s restaurant began back in September 2022 after an anonymous person complained about the smell of grilled meat. The person has not been identified. Because of the complaint, Pho Gabo received numerous visits and fines from the city. Dong says he couldn’t keep up and later chose to close the restaurant.
“I’ve been struggling that’s for sure because that was one-third of my income that is gone,” Dong said.
Prior to closing, a rep for the city had also suggested installing a new filtration system to help filter out the smell of meat. But at the time, Dong had said he was uneasy about making the big purchase, especially if the complaints would continue.
Following Pho Gabo’s closure, the city of Portland suspended the code after many called it ‘subjective.’ After the suspension, Dong inquired about re-opening his restaurant without facing any more fines, but a rep for the city said they couldn’t make any promises.
Pho Gabo had three locations in Portland before the closure of the Roseway location.
KATU reached out to the city back in April when they received the notice for this lawsuit. A spokesperson said they can’t comment on pending litigation.
