Salem Rocketeria hosts grand opening Saturday
Salem Rocketeria, a coffee and snack shop, arcade and music venue, is holding its grand opening with drink specials and live music Saturday.
From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Rocketeria is inviting everyone to come in and try a hand crafted specialty iced latte, such as the Black Dog. The drink is a cold brew with raspberry sweet cream described as "dessert in a cup." Live music will be performed by Jack the Cadavers from 6 to 8 p.m.
The idea for Rocketeria stemmed from the owners combined interests. Both Michael and Gayle Johnston love music, but Rocketeria formed from Michael's past experience playing in local bands in the 1980s and 1990s, and Gayle Johnston's background in mixology.
"We've always wanted to have a coffee shop and we knew we wanted it to be in Salem," Michael said during an interview with the SOD Center. "Once this building opened up in Salem, we immediately acted on it."
Gayle said their menu is subject to change as customers make requests and as demand changes.
"At first we didn't have decaf espresso," Gayle said. "But a couple customers asked for so now we have it. We're adding things to the menu as there's a demand for it."
In addition to coffee, Rocketeria has an arcade room filled with arcade games, dark air hockey and "a music themed pinball machine called Time Machine," according to the release from the SOD Center.
The owners said their space is open to customers who want to bring in food or host events such as fantasy football drafts, game nights and art shows.
"Anything artistic," Michael said. "Salem Rocketeria is art centric for all ages."
Salem Rocketeria, located at 386 East State Street, is open Wednesday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed Monday and Tuesday.
For more information visit their Facebook or Instagram pages @Salem_Rocketeria or call at 330-565-6909.