WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Cathy & Ingrid of Ingrid’s Scandinavian Food
For Women’s History Month, we visited with Cathy, who alongside her daughter Ingrid, both own and operate Ingrid’s Scandinavian Food, located in the hustle and bustle of downtown Oregon City, Oregon.
Originally, they started as a food truck in Portland in 2014, but a couple of years later they toured the space on 7th Street where they fell in love with the growing community of Oregon City, along with their neighbors in business. They knew it was perfect for their restaurant!
When they’re not running their restaurant, Cathy enjoys woodworking and spending time with family, and Ingrid loves hiking with her two beautiful blue heelers.
As a Mother-Daughter duo team family has been the foundation behind everything they do. In fact, you can count on them serving fresh traditional Lefse just like Cathy’s father made!
Ingrid felt passionate about bringing their family recipes to light and sharing it with the community, which is why Ingrid’s Scandinavian Food exists today. We’re all thankful for that!
Lefse is a traditional soft Norwegian flatbread, and you’ll find Ingrid’s serving it as a loaded wrap full of veggies, sausages, and desserts! You really can’t go wrong having a wrap made of potatoes! Yum.
A reviewer online agrees, exclaiming, “The food is absolutely ‘lick the plate’ good!! Meatballs, salmon, veggies, dessert… all wrapped in Lefse! It is a Norwegian’s dream, but also for everyone… some of the best food ever!! Well done!!”
Not feeling a wrap, don’t worry, they have other things to fill you up like their Viking Burger, sliders, and sides. You can see what’s on their menu here, and they also deliver through Postmates!
WHAT’S YOUR WHY FOR DOING WHAT YOU DO EVERY DAY?
“We love it! We love the family connection with our dishes and love sharing them with people.”
When you walk in, you can feel the light bursting onto the floors and flowing above the gorgeous wood beams, creating such a cozy and warm atmosphere.
You’ll also be delighted to find Arch Bridge across the hall, so once you grab a bite you also can walk for a drink next door. It doesn’t get much better than that!
WHAT’S A PIECE OF ADVICE FOR OTHER ASPIRING WOMEN WHO ARE WANTING TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESSES OR MAKE MONEY DOING SOMETHING THEY LOVE?
“Absolutely do it! Reach out to others in the field and listen to the advice they have.”
WHAT LESSON(S) HAVE YOU LEARNED THROUGH YOUR TIME AS A WOMAN IN BUSINESS?
“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to stand up for myself.”
AS A BUSINESS THAT WENT THROUGH, AND IS STILL GROWING THROUGH THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC (BUT ALSO THE WILDFIRES, SNOW/ICE, AND NON-BUSINESS RELATED LIFE), WHAT IS ONE THING YOU’VE LEARNED?
With COVID fatigue prevalent for everyone, Cathy mentions how it’s been important “to accept people’s kindness and generosity and to have patience when dealing with someone who is less than kind.”
Couldn’t agree more with their motto this past year, which has been “It’s fine, everything is fine!”.
HOW HAS THE PAST YEAR IMPACTED YOUR BUSINESS?
“Business dropped about 50% since COVID. We feel very lucky to still be in business but have had to make a lot of sacrifices to do so.”
WHAT COULD THE COMMUNITY DO TO SUPPORT YOU?
Ingrid and Cathy are wearing all the hats right now, and mention that “the kindest thing the public can do during these trying times is to be patient.”
How to connect with Ingrid’s Scandinavian Food
Stop by and see them at 209 7th St, Oregon City, OR 97045, they’re right near the Municipal Elevator, tucked in between Coin Corner & Hobbies and Arch Bridge Taphouse, you won’t wanna miss them!
You can visit Ingrid’s Scandinavian Food on their website, follow them on Facebook, and meet up on Instagram.
Cathy mentions that “the customers are the biggest why for doing what we do” and they appreciate the community enjoying their traditional family food.
Written and photographed by Ashleyann Burnett with Simple Shot Photography, a volunteer with Downtown Oregon City Association.
Here’s what Ashleyann had to say about her experience visiting with Cathy, “I loved meeting Cathy and learning more about her mother-daughter family business, Ingrid’s Scandinavian Food! Their restaurant is built from traditional family recipes that she grew up making, and it’s apparent they love what they do and enjoy seeing the community devouring their food. The warm atmosphere is very inviting, and I love that they share space with another women-owned business! Definitely will be coming back!”