Popeyes Restaurant Plans Approved, Finnegan’s to Be Demolished
NEWBERG, Ore. — The Newberg Planning Department has approved plans—pending appeal—to demolish the former Finnigan’s Bar & Grill on OR 99W to make way for a Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen fast-food restaurant, according to the city’s planning website.
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Plans call for a 3,000-square-foot restaurant with a drive-thru. City planners also approved a 25% reduction in required parking due to the expected emphasis on drive-thru traffic and mobile takeout orders.
The future franchise is owned by Texas-based Zoya Properties Inc. Representatives from the company could not be reached for comment by press time.
Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes is a fast-food chain known for its Cajun-inspired fried chicken, biscuits, and sides. With more than 3,000 locations worldwide, the brand has expanded its presence in Oregon in recent years, with restaurants in Portland, Hillsboro and Salem. Additional locations are in development in Hermiston and other cities.
Popeyes is the latest fast-food chain to arrive in Newberg, following Roxy’s Island Grill, which recently soft-opened in Crestview Crossing, and Hawaiian Bros, which began demolition of the former Round Table Pizza earlier this month.
Correction 7:36 a.m.—The article originally stated the Popeyes restaurant demolish and build on the Travelodge Motel site. The article was corrected to say the restaurant will demolish and build on the Finnegan’s Bar & Grill closer to the highway. Newsberg regrets the error.
PGE Installing 12 New EV Chargers on Newberg Utility Poles
NEWBERG, Ore. — Portland General Electric is installing 12 electric vehicle chargers across Newberg as part of its pole charging program—an initiative aimed at increasing accessibility for EV drivers without at-home charging options.
By mounting chargers directly to existing utility poles, PGE says they’re reducing infrastructure costs while offering a curbside solution for on-street parking.
According to PGE spokesperson Grace Boehm, six chargers are expected to be operational by the end of July. Installation is scheduled at the following locations:
- 902 E. Seventh St.
- 617 N. Grant St.
- 313 S. Blaine St.
- 1212 E. Seventh St.
- 212 E. Second St.
- 1521 E. Third St.
To use the chargers, drivers scan a QR code on the pole, and a retractable cable lowers for connection. Charging costs 12 cents per kilowatt-hour, with a peak-time surcharge of 28 cents per kWh on weekdays from 5 to 9 p.m. Idle fees of 10 cents per minute apply after a 10-minute grace period once charging is complete.
Leigh Jensen, destination marketing manager for Taste Newberg, said the new infrastructure could benefit local tourism.
“Having electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Newberg is a valuable asset for tourism, particularly as EV adoption grows,” Jensen said. “While EV charging alone may not be a reason to visit, it enhances Newberg’s competitiveness by supporting longer stays and encouraging visitors to spend time and money with our local merchants during their stop.”
Six additional chargers will be installed at other locations later this year.
Children’s Clinic Welcomes Two New Providers This Fall
NEWBERG, Ore. — The Children’s Clinic – Newberg is expanding its care team this September with the addition of two new providers: Dr. Megan Baker, MD, FAAP, and Katie Johnson, PA-C.
Baker is a board-certified pediatrician who emphasizes strong relationships with families and responsive care grounded in both empathy and clinical expertise. As a parent herself, she brings a personal understanding to supporting families when children are unwell.
Johnson is an experienced physician assistant with a focus on pediatric care and a particular interest in adolescent mental health. Her approach is shaped by her own experience as a pediatric patient, and she aims to create a supportive environment where young people feel heard.
Both providers will begin seeing patients this fall. For more information, contact The Children’s Clinic – Newberg directly.
Yamhill County Road Work to Affect Routes in Newberg
NEWBERG, Ore. — Yamhill County has scheduled several road maintenance projects near Newberg beginning this week, including scrub seals, chip seals, asphalt overlays, and fog sealing. Work will be performed by Houck and Sierra-Santa Fe.
Dayton Avenue will undergo an asphalt overlay Tuesday and Wednesday, July 22 and 23. The following day, a scrub seal—an emulsion-based surface treatment—will be applied to Dayton Avenue on Thursday, July 24, and to North Valley Road on Friday, July 25.
Chip sealing, which involves coating roads with oil and loose rock, is scheduled for Thursday, July 31, on both Chehalem Drive and Dog Ridge Road. North Valley Road and Dayton Avenue will receive chip seals Monday, August 4.
Crews will return to fog seal the newly chip-sealed roads from Wednesday, August 6, through Saturday, August 9.
Drivers should expect delays and loose gravel during work periods.
