What restaurants closed around Salem this summer?

This summer, a surprising number of restaurants and other food businesses closed in and around Salem.

It's been a challenging season for the local food scene, with several well-known and popular spaces closing their doors, sometimes for good. From longstanding favorites to popular new establishments, they struggled with finances, faced unexpected hiccups and otherwise found it difficult to survive.

If you've been out of town or missed the news, here is a rundown of the local spots that have shut down recently, along with a look at what led to their closures and what this means for the local dining landscape.

Wicked Sweet Bakery

The Keizer-based bakery announced its closure on social media just before August ended. Owners Katie and Michael Peters opened the shop in 2020, known for its doughnuts, cookies and sticky buns.

Katie said they knew they would be closing since the beginning of the year. They will not continue special orders or continue in a new location, either.

The closure of Wicked Sweet leaves a gap in the Keizer market for a bakery and doughnut shop.

Palominos

The dining establishment shut down in early August.

The closure came unexpectedly, as rumors floated online before the business addressed them with a Facebook post. Operators said the restaurant would keep the same name but reopen with a new concept in the space at a future date.

Venti's Cafe & Taphouse

The south Salem Venti's location closed abruptly in early August after owner Dino Venti said it was not doing well financially.

The restaurant had just switched from table service to counter service the week before to combat rising costs, but in the end, the restaurant was not financially salvageable. Venti said he's grateful for the community and regulars, but the downtown location is where his focus will be.

He said because of the south Salem location closure, the downtown location is able to be open daily.

Presto Sando

The pressed-sandwich food truck closed abruptly in mid-July, which owner Silvio Franceschi announced on Instagram. The truck was parked at Furbish, then moved to Offbeat Coffee when it opened across the street.

RAM Restaurant & Brewery

One of Salem's institutional restaurants and bars, the RAM closed in mid-June to the shock of the community. The restaurant had been a staple for Willamette University students and other community members for its spacious seating and long hours.

The only reminder of the restaurant's legacy is the "thank you for 52 years" sign in front of the establishment.

Em Chan covers food and dining at the Statesman Journal. You can reach her at echan@gannett.com and follow her on X @ catchuptoemily.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: What restaurants closed around Salem this summer?