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Happy New Year!
Hope you were all able to enter 2026 on a happy note, whether you stayed up or went to bed early. I’m still getting over a bug I got right after Christmas… This is your reminder to stay vigilant about your health because there are lots of viruses going around!
Anyway, this week I figured we’ve been so up to our ears in looking back on the year and what we’re looking forward to… we forgot to focus on what’s actually been happening! So this week is a return to normalcy with some (mostly restaurant) news that you might’ve missed in the last few weeks. Did I miss something or should I keep an eye out on something else? Let me know at [email protected].
Me? I’m dying for some Mexican food from Kike’s Taqueria, ramen birria sounds like it would hit the spot right now…
On a brisk walk,
Em Chan
Hey - January 15 is going to be a good day
So I've been thinking about how weird January can feel. The holidays are over, everyone's back to their routines, and it's just... gray outside.
But here's what I love about Salem: there are always people working to make connection easier. And on Wednesday, January 15, three different groups are hosting events on the same day. It felt like the universe was trying to tell us something.
I'm partnering with all three to let you know what's happening:
Morning option - Starting at 10 AM, there's "Energize & Elevate" at The Reed. It's a 4-hour event focused on balancing business, body, and mind—especially if you're a busy professional struggling to find that balance. Power-packed speakers, personal trainers, nutritionists, mental health advocates. You'll leave with an actual plan for 2026. Get tickets here
Afternoon option - If you're in real estate or thinking about getting into it, there's a networking and education event from 5:30-7 PM at 620 Collective. Jason Fleming, Allie Saunders, and Katy Voves are hosting. Free food, drinks, and practical advice on everything from contract basics to finding the right brokerage. It's designed for new and aspiring agents, but honestly, the networking alone makes it worth showing up. RSVP here
Dinner option - And if you just want to connect with other Salem folks over a meal, What's Happening Salem is hosting a dinner through our dinner club. Simple, no agenda, just good conversation with people who care about this city. Sign up here. After you sign up, you’ll fill out a short survey and be paired with a group of Salemanders who have similar interests.
You don't have to go to all three (though honestly, that would be impressive). But I hope you’ll pick one.
Because here's what I know after building What's Happening Salem: the best weeks are the ones where you show up for something. Where you choose connection over comfort. Where you remember that you're part of something bigger than just your house and your routine.
January 15. Three chances. Hope to see you at one of them.
Jacob
Some (mostly restaurant) news you might’ve missed
Do you think I should share more news on a regular basis? There’s always interesting things happening in the background, but let me know, at [email protected].
Sports!
The PAC Community Center is now operating under new management: the NPJ Sports Complex. The reopening kicked off on January 1, and as Jacob reported on Instagram, they’ll be offering youth and adult pickleball, basketball, volleyball, futsal, and competitive tournaments/events on the weekends.
The adult open gym schedule is online now, with volleyball theme nights each day of the week. Admission is $7 per person. Fridays are court rentals only, from 8 AM to 9 PM. If you’d like to coordinate a tournament or rent a court, inquiries are available on the organization’s website. 4050 Fairview Industrial Dr. SE Ste 100.
Restaurant News
So much has happened in just a few short months! Here’s the quick and condensed versions of all the exciting updates that I’ve been waiting to share.
Now Open
Rudy’s Greenside Steakhouse in now at the Creekside Golf Club restaurant space, soft opened
Restaurante El Jacalito: The second location of El Jacalito Taqueria soft opened in South Salem late in the year. It offers a slightly varied menu compared to its first spot, but you can find more options at the new spot. The restaurant is known for its mole, combination platters, breakfast and generous aguas frescas. 1952 McGilchrist St. SE.
Umai: Keizer has a new Asian fusion spot with Umai, which offers poke and a mix of Japanese dishes like rice bowls, ramen and bentos. The spot quietly opened in December, in SchoolHouse Square. 5069 River Rd N.
Hanal Kiin: Did you know Keizer has a Mayan cuisine restaurant? The location is small, but it includes sandwiches, tostados, tacos, specialty desserts, and machacados - which are blended shaved ice with choice of flavor. Small but mighty, you should definitely try this place out! Everything on the menu is under $13. 4914 River Rd N.
Ginza Sushi and Ramen: South Salem has a new swanky ramen and sushi spot with Ginza. It offers the classic selections of appetizers, rolls, and bentos. But if you’re looking to treat yourself, there is a good assortment of high-end nigiri, including A5 Japanese wagyu beef, toro (fatty bluefin tuna belly) with sea urchin and caviar. There’s also plenty of ramen options, including a vegan ramen, with spicy and non-spicy combinations.
You can order online directly on the website, but not everything is available for to-go. 4336 Commercial St. SE #150.
Flower Crush: The Reed Underground has a new combination fresh or dried flower stop, coffeeshop, catering, and soup restaurant. Most of the business revolves around its flower and coffee/tea shop selections. “Soup Society” is the program that Flower Crush is calling its made-from-scratch soup options, which come with a side of either bread, rice, or pretzel.
The website features the month’s deals, like buy two (soup, coffee or teas) and get the third half price. For more info, check out the website, flowercrush.org. 357 Court St. NE.
Margarita Factory: The Mexican chain restaurant has been open inside the former Brix Tavern spot in Keizer for the last couple months. It joins the motley selection of other popular chain restaurants at Keizer Station, bonus points for the huge cocktail list. 6045 Keizer Station Blvd.
Announcements
Willamette Heritage Center is getting a new restaurant. After six years, Taproot Old Mill Cafe announced its closure just after Christmas. The restaurant space was announced to be taken over by a second location of Lively Station, called Lively At The Mill.
The official Instagram account for the new restaurant, @livelyatthemill, has “coming April 2026” in its bio. 1313 Mill St. SE.
New Italian restaurant opening in Salem Center. Sarina’s Italian Kitchen is opening up inside the Salem Center. It has primarily been a ghost kitchen inside McGrath’s Fish House, but this location will be a full brick-and-mortar restaurant. The space inside the Salem Center will include a full bar, indoor and outdoor seating that will be accessible even after the mall has closed.
There is currently no opening date available. To keep up with updates on the restaurant, check out the restaurant’s website, sarinasitaliankitchen.com. 401 Center St. NE.
New noodle shop. The former Paradise Tools space is being renovated for Noodle Junction, a Vietnamese restaurant. No opening date has been announced. 1671 Center St. NE.
New (official!) Food Truck Pod
Right off of Fairgrounds Road NE, just before the weird intersection of Portland Road NE, Silverton Road NE, and Highland Avenue NE - have you spotted a bunch of food trucks?
This is World of Flavors food park, which has six food trucks. It’s home to The Syrian House, JJ’s boba fresca, Curry Bai, Rustic Rolls, Redline Birria Y Tacos, The Smash Factory, and Siano’s Karibbean CookHouse. Rustic Rolls is the city’s only dedicated eggrolls cart. Siano’s joins the small circle of Carribean food trucks in Salem. 1321 Smith St.
Where to go: Trivia
If one of your resolutions are to get out more, why not try your hand at trivia nights? Teams of two to six compete against each other to win points, and the team with the most points wins. Some places offer prizes, others are awards in spirit. Though there is no cover for most of the places, it is expected that you purchase at least one drink or food item.
Family-friendly
The Yard Food Park: Mondays, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Santiam Brewing/The BAD Space, Wednesdays starting at 7 PM hosted by Ronan Baker, with prizes for winners
Adult-only
Sparky’s Brewing Company: Tuesdays, starting at 6 PM
Shades of Brew: most Tuesdays at 6 PM - check social media for confirmation of that week
Westside Taphouse: Wednesdays starting 6:30 PM with prizes for winners
Kraftworks Taphouse: Wednesdays 6:30 PM
The Corner Pocket Bar & Grill: Wednesdays starting at 7 PM - top three win $20, $15, $10
Pintxos: Wednesdays at 6:30 PM hosted by Leroy Firwood
Heroes Taphouse: Wednesdays from 7-9 PM
Ratchet Brewery: Thursdays at 6:30 PM with Oregon Trivia Company - get clues on OTC’s Facebook page
That’s it from me for now. I’ll be back next week with my updated segment on winter high school sports. Is there any other segments I should include? I’m always open to more ideas to make this newsletter as helpful to you as possible.
Brewing a cup of tea,
Em Chan
