The Last Retailer Standing

Despite the sudden sale and closure of Portland's once vibrant public market, one pizza parlor owner continues to incur large losses but refuses to shut down.

1 minute read

November 29, 2006, 10:00 AM PST

By Mike Lydon


"In the end, there is pizza.

High-minded ideals -- revitalizing downtown Portland, supporting Maine agriculture --have scattered on the wind to take root elsewhere. Defunct and for sale, the former Portland Public Market building is a lonely shell of concrete, wood and glass.

And pizza.

Walk inside at lunch time. Scan the emptiness.

But wait. In a distant corner, lights blaze. A sign reads "Romeos Express." It's a mini-version of the five-store pizza chain started 18 years ago by a local businessman, Dimitrios Mihos.

Hey, Dimitrios. The market's gone. The building's vacant.

What are you doing, man?

Mihos is the first to admit: 'It's a very unusual scenario.'

This is a story of an entrepreneur who made a long-term investment and refuses to give up, even though he basically has no customers. Smart and stubborn, Mihos hopes that he may yet turn absurdity into opportunity."

Monday, November 27, 2006 in Portland Press Herald

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

SunRail passenger train at platform in Poinciana, Florida.

Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion

The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.

November 24, 2024 - Hoodline

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

CLose-up on black and white 25 mph speed limit sign.

Santa Monica Lowers Speed Limits

Posted speed limits will be reduced by 5 miles per hour on dozens of the city’s streets.

December 4 - Streetsblog California

Adult man talking to young woman across wooden garden fence with young girl standing next to him.

For Some, Co-Housing Offers Social and Economic Benefits

Residents of co-living developments say the built-in community helps ease the growing isolation felt by many Americans.

December 4 - NPR

View down San Francisco street with colorful residential buildings and high-rise downtown buildings in distance.

New Map Puts Bay Area Traffic Data in One Place

The Traffic Monitoring site uses community-collected speed and volume data to reveal traffic patterns on local roads.

December 4 - Streetsblog San Francisco

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.