Our Story
It all started on January 1, 1996, at the historic Reed Opera House in downtown Salem, Oregon. Brothers Dino and Mike Venti opened Venti’s Bento in the former ice cream café, serving skewered chicken over rice — then came veggies, then came beef. The simple idea of “good, clean food” took off quickly. By 2001, Dino bought Mike’s share of the business, and Venti’s Bento had already outgrown the tiny 740-square-foot shop — especially after adding a few beer taps to the mix.
In July 2008, we moved just across the street to 325 Court St NE, our current downtown home. The new space tripled our size, added a full kitchen, dining room, and the beloved Basement Bar. In the summer of 2016, to celebrate 20 years in business, we expanded again — adding over 1,600 square feet, a larger dining room, and a street-level bar with even more taps.
In 2011, we took another big leap and opened Venti’s Café & Taphouse in South Salem — lovingly known as Venti’s South. The second location allowed us to expand our menu and craft beer offerings, welcoming even more of the community we love.
After the challenges of the pandemic and shifting times, we made the difficult decision to close our South Salem location in 2024. While saying goodbye to that space was hard, the memories, friendships, and loyal guests from Venti’s South remain an important part of our story and who we are today.
Through it all, our roots have stayed the same. Though we serve many meatless options now, chicken teriyaki is where it all began. Dino estimates he prepped over 50 tons of chicken in those first 10 years at the Reed Opera House — a legacy that inspired our rooster logo, symbolizing power, boldness, and beauty.
Nearly three decades later, our mission remains simple: serve good, clean food with unique flavor, attitude, and culture — and stay true to the community that’s made Venti’s what it is today. Interestingly, as our menu has changed, as has our logo and brand identity. We’ve dropped the rooster altogether and the logo now uses a leaf as part of the V. Our menu is designed with a “plant-first” philosophy — every dish begins with fresh, flavorful, plant-based ingredients at its core. From there, guests can customize their meal to suit their tastes, with the option to add meat or keep it vegan for a small upcharge. We believe this approach creates a menu that’s inclusive, flexible, and forward-thinking — one that welcomes everyone, no matter their dietary preferences or lifestyle.
Community
We are connected to each other through time, place and circumstances — and especially food. Venti’s began when brothers Dino and Mike Venti opened a 740 SF space in the Reed Opera House just across the street from our current location. We’ve since gone on to expand at 325 Court St Ne and the expansion includes our food and beverage offerings. But community engagement has always been integral to our success.
Salem isn’t just a place — it’s a pulse, a rhythm, a community woven together by history, tradition, and the people who call it home. At Venti’s Restaurant, we embrace that heartbeat, serving up more than just food, we serve connections, memories, and a taste of the city’s identity. From the lively energy of downtown to the quiet beauty of our parks and neighborhoods, Salem is a city defined by its people. It’s the local artists, the small businesses, the families who gather, and the stories that are shared over good meals. We believe in fostering that spirit, creating a space where everyone — longtime locals, new residents, and visitors — feels the warmth of belonging. Every dish we serve reflects Salem’s heart: fresh, locally sourced ingredients, flavors inspired by our diverse community, and a passion for bringing people together. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite, celebrating something special, or simply soaking in the vibe, you’ll find a piece of Salem here at Venti’s.
