Salem restaurants offer freebies, discounts to federal workers impacted by shutdown

Emily Teel
Statesman Journal

Salem restaurant and food business owners are stepping up to offer some relief, extending a hand of hospitality towards those impacted by the partial federal government shutdown. 

Some government employees continue to work without pay, and others remain furloughed. Either way, missing paychecks is leaving workers vulnerable, unable to afford basic expenses including medicine and food. 

Federal Employee ID in hand, here's where you can find a little help. 

The Kitchen on Court Street

Salem's 24-7 diner, The Kitchen on Court Street, is offering a free meal to federal employees and extending the same generosity towards their immediate families as well. Owner Bernard Malherbe said, "We understand this can be a stressful time and this is a small gesture to try and help."

Conditions:

  • must have government employee identification
  • alcohol excluded
  • invitation applies to federal employees, their spouses and children

Where: 466 Court St NE, Salem

Phone: (971) 701-6902

Bo & Vine

Downtown burger bar Bo & Vine is offering federal employees a 10% discount off of "any meal, any day, any time" until the shutdown is resolved.  

Conditions:

  • present government employee identification when placing an order

Where: 176 Liberty St NE

Phone: (971) 301-2585

Venti's Cafe

Both Venti's locations are welcoming federal employees with a free dish, up to a $15 value, on weekdays. 

Conditions:

  • must have government employee identification
  • invitation applies to federal employees only, not additional guests

Venti's Cafe + Taphouse 

Where: 2840 Commercial St SE

Phone: (503) 391-5100

Venti's Cafe + Basement Bar

Where: 325 Court St NE

Phone: (503) 399-8733

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Great Harvest Bread Company

There's now a "Shutdown Shelf" at all three Salem locations of the Great Harvest Bread Company. The bakery is stocking this shelf with a variety of their breads, both sliced and whole, and inviting federal employees to choose a free loaf of bread. Ralph Johnson,  team leader of the downtown location, wanted to stress that these aren't day-old breads, but fresh ones, the bakery's effort to offer a little help. 

Great Harvest Bread Co. Downtown

Where: 339 Court St NE

Phone: (503) 363-4697

Great Harvest Bread Co. Commercial 

Where: 3405 Commercial St SE

Phone: (503) 363-3215

Great Harvest Bread Co. West Salem

Where: 525 Taggart Dr

Phone: (503) 363-7555

Annette's Westgate Cafe

Another spot where federal employees can enjoy $15 off an entree. Pricing at Annette's is such that this model basically means a free entree. 

Conditions:

  • must have government employee identification
  • invitation applies to federal employees only, not additional guests

Where: 1311 Edgewater St NW

Phone: (503) 362-9588

Ingredients used for the pizza at Basil & Board in downtown Salem on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018. The restaurant is set to open soon.

Basil & Board

Basil & Board is offering federal employees a free dish (essentially a free salad, charcuterie board or pizza), up to a $15 value, on weekdays. 

Conditions:

  • must have government employee identification
  • invitation applies to federal employees only, not additional guests

Where: 500 Liberty Street SE

Phone: (503) 447-3350

Xicha Brewing

On Wednesdays until the shutdown ends West Salem's Xicha Brewing is offering furloughed government workers a free beer, no purchase necessary. 

Conditions:

  • must have government employee identification
  • invitation applies to federal employees only, not additional guests
  • available only on Wednesdays

Where: 576 Patterson Street Northwest Suite 140

Phone:  503-990-8292

Are you a restaurateur or food truck owner with a similar offer for federal workers? Email Emily Teel the details to be added to this list: eteel@statesmanjournal.com

Emily Teel is the Food & Drink Editor at the Statesman Journal. Contact her at eteel@statesmanjournal.com, or via Facebook or Twitter. See what she's cooking and where she's eating this week on Instagram: @emily_teel

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