Downtown Salem continues to see development with the addition of a Japanese coffee spot.
A new coffee shop is on list of tenants opening at The Forge in downtown Salem, called Bonzai Coffee. This will be a shop serving specialty coffees and teas, as well as rice bowls. Owner Brent Hayes told What Now Portland he is in the middle of construction right now and is hoping to open around February.
“Founded by two half-Japanese coffee shop professionals, our space is a reflection of who we are–half American, half Japanese, and all about bringing those worlds together,” says the description on their website.
Along with the coffees and teas, matchas, boba drinks and Japanese bar items can be expected. Bonzai Coffee staff have not officially released the menu but will close to opening. Hayes wants there to be more options than just coffees, teas and pastries.
“The idea is to kind of flip the script,” Hayes said.
Hayes has previous experience in coffee shops, as he managed Archive Coffee & Bar in Salem at 102 Liberty Street NE #120, which his brother owns. He also has experience in construction and design, and he wants to create a space with a unique design and popping colors.
Bonzai will be going in The Forge, the building at the corner of Liberty Street and Chemeketa Street NE. Inside, restaurants Clink and Dreamies Creamery are directly next to each other on the first floor, and Cellar 54 will be below. Right across the street is the Salem Center shopping mall.
For more information on Bonzai Coffee, visit their Instagram @bonzaicoffeeteabar.
