Crisp is a fast-casual salad restaurant with locations in North and SE Portland (+ the Moda Center, Club Level, during Blazers games!) You can choose from several made-to-order, chef-designed salads or design your own salad masterpiece. With over 50 different ingredients, from grilled chicken for the gym buffs to plant-based options for veggie lovers, we truly have something for everyone. And if you're looking to feed a crowd, our office catering is super popular…especially with the most discerning of diners. Order at the counter or order online for takeout or delivery straight to your door. We make healthy eating delicious, convenient, and fun! 

>What’s something that’s bringing you joy or a sense of accomplishment right now?
I’m feeling really proud about the fact that we’re hitting our 10-year anniversary this year [2025]. It’s wild to think about everything we’ve been through and built over the past decade—from opening our first location to expanding, building our team, and navigating some really hard moments, too. It’s a huge milestone, and seeing our customers and staff still just as excited about what we’re doing as we are—it’s deeply meaningful.

>What are you looking forward to in the next six months?
Business-wise, we have grown to a point where we are in the process of training & promoting a tenured team member to a salaried management position. He has been with us four years & I'm excited to see how he progresses over the next several months. Personally, I have a trip planned to the Oregon coast with several girlfriends I went to high school with!

>What's a critical mistake you made that was a major learning moment?
We had an abundant 2-year period where we were very cash flush; after a bit I got cocky & stopped looking at our cash flow on a regular basis. We developed a severe bleed which I should have caught much, MUCH sooner. I will never take my eyes off the financial ball again.

>What was your first job?
Technically a paper route from 10-12 years old. I lived in a valley so it was literally uphill both ways in the snow in Alaska! But first W2 was McDonalds at 14. 

>Do you have a favorite place in Oregon?
Oregon City! A lot of folks don't know how much history & fun is just a 30-40 minute drive from Portland. There's the spectacular Willamette Falls (highest volume water "fall" in North America next to Niagara!) You can view the falls from the southern part of the McLoughlin Promenade, which is also a beautiful place to walk & view the Willamette River as well as downtown Oregon City. There’s an actual outdoor elevator that looks like the space needle, and anyone can ride for free. Plus, a great Main St. with lots of unique restaurants & shops. 

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Emma joined EO Portland in 2020. Interested in joining a community of business founders? This could be your year! Learn more.