SALEM — Salem Rocketeria in downtown Salem will hold a grand opening celebration from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. today.

Salem Rocketeria is a lot of cool things. It is part coffee shop–serving Youngstown Coffee Co. — part arcade, part snack shop, and part music venue. The 386 E. State St. location is now open and providing some of the most innovative specialty lattes this side of the Ohio River.

Owned by Gayle and Michael Johnston, Salem Rocketeria is a true team effort. Both are music lovers–Michael played in local bands in the ’80s and ’90s and Gayle with her mixologist background — when combined, the idea for Rocketeria was born. Both were on hand to answer questions during the SOD center’s recent visit.

“We’ve always wanted to have a coffee shop and we knew we wanted to be in Salem,” Michael said during the interview. “Once this building opened up in Salem, we immediately acted on it.”

The Johnstons have their fingers on the pulse of Salem’s community, often curtailing their menu toward their customer’s desires.

“At first we didn’t have decaf espresso,” Gayle said. “But a couple customers asked for it so now we have it. We’re adding things to the menu as there’s a demand for it.”

Salem Rocketeria’s arcade room has a serious retro feel. In addition to the numerous arcade games, there is also glow in the dark air hockey surrounded by black lights and a music themed pinball machine called Time Machine.

Salem Rocketeria is also open to customers who want to bring in food or host events like fantasy football drafts, gaming night, art shows, etc. The Johnstons say that their space is open to transformation. “Anything artistic. Salem Rocketeria is art centric for all ages.”

Michael said, “It’s cool to see returning customers ordering their favorite drinks and enjoying the cool music and atmosphere. Our specialty lattes are what people are loving the most,” Gayle said. “They have amazing flavor combinations and are named in the Rock ‘n Roll spirit. We have customers coming-in multiple times to try each flavor!”

For their grand opening celebration this Friday, Salem Rocketeria will have the band Jack and the Cadavers performing at 6 p.m. as well as special themed menu items and discounts.

“I concocted a new drink for our grand opening called the Black Dog: cold brew with raspberry sweet cream. Just like all our specialty drinks, the Black Dog is like desert in a cup,” Gayle said.

Their regular business hours are Wednesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are closed Monday and Tuesday. They can be reached at 330-565-6909 or through their Facebook page and Instagram accounts @Salem–Rocketeria.

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