A restaurant taking over the Paradiso at the Grand Theatre space is coming soon to the city’s downtown.
It was reported by Statesman Journal that Encore at the Grand Theatre is opening in Salem. The project has been kept under wraps but was recently unveiled on social media. Chef Aaron Franco, one of the owners, told What Now Portland doors will open tentatively on Oct. 30.
Franco said the menu will have “upscale pub fare.” He is opening the restaurant with local Victor Fuentes, who is helping with the menu. It was recently posted online, and it includes a grand smash burger, stuffed chicken and wicked shrimp pasta, all in the “Act 2” section. Starters such as the carnitas tacos are on the “Act 1” menu, and the finale items include the nitro stout brownie.
The theme for the restaurant is catered to the theater space, hence the menu acts. Both Franco and Fuentes have extensive backgrounds in the culinary industry, specializing in Latin cuisine. The two have been planning the new restaurant for around three months, and are now working in the kitchen to prepare for opening.
The famous Grand Theater was built in 1900 and includes a ballroom as well as a lodge room inside. The space is at the corner of High Street NE and Court Street NE. This is next to Wolfhounds Bar & Grill, and across the street from restaurants like Los Toreros and Valiant the Sandwich.
As the staff prepare to open the doors, more updates will be provided on their Instagram @encoresalem.
