Prost! pub hosts annual Thanksgiving feast 'to make this day meaningful'

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Prost! pub in North Portland is doing its part to give back to the community by hosting a free Thanksgiving feast.

Prost! Owner Dan Hart said it's a yearly tradition that started out small but transformed into something beautiful, 16 years later.

"When we first did this, when we were four weeks old, we didn't know what we were going to do with our Thanksgiving plans," Hart said. "It's become quite the burden over the years with the size that it's grown to, but we're always happy to do it, and it's one of the best days at the pub out of the year."

The German pub's namesake, "prost," means "cheers." For many community members, it's living up to the name, especially for its increasingly popular Thanksgiving event.

"I'm an East Coast transplant, looking to find a community here in Portland, so this was the perfect opportunity to come out and see what service looks like on a holiday, when my family is on the other side of the coast," said Katie Ruth, who volunteers at the event.

While the food — including turkey and all the fixings — is free, the pub also serves drinks available for purchase. Participants are also encouraged to bring side dishes, though it's not required. And there are also donations accepted to help families in need over the holidays.

"If you can find a way to make this day meaningful, even if you have complicated feelings about it, you should. And I'm glad Prost! gave us this opportunity to do that," said meal recipient Michael Ball.

Hart said the event started out serving about 30 pounds of turkey in the early days. He said this latest "Prostgiving" saw volunteers handing out over 200 pounds.

The event happens every year at the Prost! pub at 4237 N Mississippi Ave.