The Sports Bra

For the 148th week of "7 QUESTION SUNDAY" we shine the spotlight on another influential individual from the PNW. The Sports Bra is a women owned bar in Portland, OR that is the only sports bar in the world airing exclusively women’s sports.

4EVRGRN: Hey, INITIALS! Tell us a little about yourselves.

TSB: We are the first and only sports bar in the world that will only televise women’s sports. Our mission is to make great food, delicious drinks, and provide a space that supports, empowers, and promotes girls and women in sports and in the community. Owned by Jenny Nguyen a game-changing bar owner, accomplished chef, and avid basketball player. Our food is made from scratch, the menu is familiar, unpretentious, and delicious, and includes vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options and features some of Nguyen’s Vietnamese family recipes.

1. What has it been like creating a much-needed sports bar that is focused on women’s sports?

TSB: It has been one of the scariest, most challenging, and most rewarding things I have ever done in my life! Just starting a business, let alone a restaurant, and let alone a concept that has never been done before has been SO challenging and exciting. I am constantly learning.

2. How has the community embraced The Sports Bra?

TSB: Oh, my goodness. So whole-heartedly. People have been SO supportive; we have gotten an overwhelmingly positive response from the community. Not just in Portland but all over the world. It really has been incredible and far surpassing my wildest dreams.

3. Most popular sporting event?

TSB: So far, the NWSL and the Portland Thorns games have drawn in the largest crowds. But we are anticipating a terrific turnout for WNBA which kicks off this Friday!

4. What has been the biggest surprise since opening you didn’t anticipate when going into this business?

TSB: I had no idea how The Sports Bra would impact so many people in so many different ways. It just resonates with folks on so many levels that I could never have imagined it would. Even people who don’t like sports have shown up to support us because they love what we’re doing!

5. Most popular menu item?

TSB: Definitely the Pub Burger is our top seller! 1/3lb. grass-fed beef, topped with sharp white cheddar, pickled onions, lettuce, tomato, and garlic aioli on a brioche bun!

6. How has Portland embraced The Sports Bra?

TSB: Portland and the community have shown out for The Sports Bra, hardcore!! We are feeling the love over here big time!

7. Why was it important to you to include women owned vendors for your drinks?

TSB: I had spent a majority of my career as a chef, so I have seen firsthand how overlooked, underfunded and underinvested women in the food and beverage industries are. I knew from my experience that there are tons of women creating, making, and doing fantastic work behind the scenes but aren’t given the same opportunities to be marketed and uplifted. Seeing that kitchens, breweries and distilleries are male-dominated fields, I really saw a parallel to sports and just felt like if our motto is “We Support Women,” we wanted to show that in more than just on our TV screens.

Check out @thesportsbrapdx for more information, check out the menu at www.thesportsbrapdx.com and stop in for a game at 2512 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232.