A delicious meal is that much more satisfying when it comes from a place that gives us a sense of home, community, and connection. The Humble Pig Cafe in Oregon is one such community restaurant, with a heavy emphasis on “community.” It is hard to imagine a small business, and the owners behind it, showing up to support and care for the people around it more than this one.

A dream come true for owners Sarah and Joe Selinger, The Humble Pig Cafe first opened its doors in Molalla, Oregon, in August 2019. Each of them had graduated from Oregon schools -- Sarah from Oregon Culinary Industry and Joe from Portland State. Sarah spent several years as a traveling chef, moving to Alaska, Idaho, and Montana. Joe’s path took him to California, where he discovered his passion for food and refined his culinary skills. Eventually, both found their way back to Oregon with a shared dream of creating a community here in Molalla. Hard work, determination, planning, and saving finally paid off, and The Humble Pig was born.

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When it comes to The Humble Pig Cafe’s history, it has not been an easy road, with challenges like the pandemic, wildfires, and family loss, all in a short period of time.

But these trials have only fueled the Selinger's efforts to bring people together. They have put it simply: “We’re all about supporting our community.”

This mantra was put to the test in 2020, when Molalla faced devastating wildfires. The Humble Pig kept its doors open, offering free meals throughout the crisis to first responders and anyone in need of a helping hand (and hot meal), and then to those returning home after evacuations were lifted.

The cafe was offered donations by locals that helped keep the food flowing to whoever was in need. Even being forced to leave their own location at one point did not stop this small business from providing hot meals free of charge and helping out with local warming centers.

As if that were not enough, The Humble Pig created a program called "Love Up" wherein the cafe and their guests donate meals to be used any time by community members who just need a little extra love.

What accounts for the success of The Humble Pig Cafe? In the owners’ own words: “Passion. Love. Thinking outside of the box, to make a meal an experience.”

This beloved cafe has truly become “a place where family and friends can find community and enjoy a meal prepared with love.”

Love and passion come through in everything these (ahem) humble entrepreneurs do - from the connections they make with people from all different walks of life to their desire to share foods and flavors that people may not have a chance to experience otherwise.

Community is the heart of The Humble Pig and adventure is its soul. Guests are invited to “Live fast, eat slow” and to “Take a taste adventure” with a menu full of flavor and creativity - and fantastically fun menu item names like the Rocky Balboa, Fuegettaboutit, Brotherly Love, and Uncle Steve.

With a long list of mouthwatering sandwiches -- Cubanos, Cheesesteaks, Italianos, and Specialties -- as well as stacked burgers, fresh salads, and delicious sides, there is something irresistible for everyone on the menu.

To top it all off, there is a rotating pastry case full of delightful sweets and treats to satisfy any sweet tooth or carb craving, from cupcakes to pies to cannoli - and naturally, fun seasonal and themed goodies.

These dedicated business owners have certainly shown their passion not just for food but for the community they call home - and there is no denying that this is one of the best small businesses in Oregon. We are so thankful to cafe owners Sarah and Joe Selinger for sharing their story with us. Find out more and show your support by checking out The Humble Pig website and following The Humble Pig on Facebook.

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