Staff
Richard Glass, Owner
Originally from Eugene, Oregon, Richard Glass spent the past 22 years in Chicago as both a designer and restaurateur. After graduating from Chicago’s Institute of Design and working as a product and furniture designer, Glass joined the restaurant scene as managing partner of Red Dog, Café Absinthe and Green Dolphin Street, which he also helped design.
Glass returned to his native Oregon in the fall of 2004 and opened Olea in June 2005. He put his design skills to work and completely renovated the interior space of Olea, allowing for more natural light and exposed wood and added beadboard, vintage lighting, and long, curved banquettes. A "whimsical" touch is the large, antique meat hook which hangs near the bar symbolizing Olea’s house-cured meats. Glass lives in Northeast Portland with his wife, Bridgid, and 4 year-old son.
