ASTORIA, Ore. — The North Coast Food Web, a nonprofit dedicated to fostering resilient and equitable food systems in the region, is facing an unexpected challenge as it prepares for an early move from its downtown Astoria location. The nonprofit announced on social media Friday that its lease on the Food Hub building, which was set to expire on September 20, will now end prematurely on July 4.
Jesse Jones, the organization’s newly appointed executive director, confirmed that the nonprofit was not provided with a reason for the early termination of the lease. Despite the abrupt change, Jones reassured the community that the Food Web will continue to offer its usual services, including its year-round online farmers market and kitchen and storage rentals for small food producers, while it searches for a new space that can accommodate its operations, particularly a commercial kitchen.
“We’ve moved a number of times already, which isn’t easy,” said Jones. “But it shows our resilience as an organization that we can adapt to change.”
The nonprofit’s announcement comes as the building’s new owner, Seaside-based TM Development LLC, prepares to use the property to expand its brewery operations. The company purchased the Astoria Food Hub building last year. The space had previously housed Buoy Beer Co., which closed after its lease expired at the end of 2024. TM Development plans to utilize the 28,000 square feet of space for its brewery expansion, which includes Sisu Brewing Co. in Seaside.
TM Development is led by Tom and Mark Utti, both business and property owners in Seaside, along with attorney Jeremy Rust. The group’s real estate ventures have included the purchase of the former Seaside High School property in 2021 for $3.2 million.
The closure of the Food Web’s current location is raising concerns for local entrepreneurs who rely on its facilities. One such business owner is Ivan Sultan, who operates Columbia Bar, a snack company. Sultan has used the Food Web’s commercial kitchen for years and relies on its flexible rental services to store ingredients and materials, as well as prepare products.
“The kitchen they provide is one of the only places on the North Coast where I can book time as needed,” Sultan explained. “If there is a gap between the closure of this space and the opening of a new location, it would be a huge setback for my business. If I had to pause operations, I might as well just shut down.”
In response to the impending move, the Food Web has put out a call to the community for leads on available spaces that could accommodate its growing needs. Jones emphasized the organization’s commitment to maintaining its services and supporting local producers throughout the transition.
“We are hopeful that the community will come through for us during this time of change,” Jones said. “This is a time for the North Coast to show its support for small businesses and organizations working to build a more sustainable food system.”
As the nonprofit looks ahead to securing a new home, its focus remains on ensuring that its critical services to local food producers continue uninterrupted. The Food Web’s resilience and adaptability in the face of this challenge will be tested, but the organization remains determined to find a solution that supports both its mission and the needs of the community.
