Prismatic Coffee Roasters has recently opened its first cafe in Salem, Oregon, bringing a burst of color and flavor to the local specialty coffee scene. Located in a 90-year-old former carpentry workshop in the Pringle Creek development in South Salem, the 2,000-square-foot cafe retains its original charm with exposed wood ceiling trusses and large picture windows that flood the space with natural light.
Co-founder Evan Delgado describes the cafe as a series of cozy “living rooms,” each adorned with vintage furniture, artwork, books, rugs, and lamps. One of the rooms features The Library of Black Excellence, a lending library with a collection of books by and about Black authors and individuals. The cafe also plans to host rotating works from local artists and a permanent mural.
In addition to offering a warm and inviting ambiance, the cafe serves up a menu of specialty coffee drinks made with precision and care. The bar features a Slayer Steam LP espresso machine, Mahlkönig grinders, a Puqpress autotamper, and a Fetco NG Extractor for drip coffees. For smaller brews, Prismatic uses Fellow Aiden home brewers for consistency and quality.
The cafe also partners with Epilogue Kitchen & Cocktails to offer a “new American” dining experience in the evenings. The cafe’s kitchen and production area, office, and bathrooms occupy the remaining space in the building, which is owned by Prismatic.
Prismatic Coffee Roasters, founded in December 2022 by Delgado and Ariel Ellis, initially focused on wholesale roasting and cold brew production. The company’s teal Citroën coffee truck became a popular fixture in downtown Salem before finding a new home outside the cafe. Prismatic is committed to sustainability and community engagement, partnering with 1% for the Planet and local environmental organizations.
With plans to pursue B Corp certification, Prismatic aims to source local ingredients for its food menu and grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs in a nearby greenhouse. The company recently transitioned roasting duties to partner Kyle Layton, who roasts coffee purchased through importers like Ally Coffee, Hacea Coffee Source, and Royal Coffee.
Future plans for the cafe include expanding the food program, hosting community events, and offering public roasting demonstrations and classes. Delgado expresses excitement for the growth and evolution of Prismatic Coffee Roasters, reflecting on the joy of building something from the ground up and the valuable lessons learned along the way.
In conclusion, Prismatic Coffee Roasters’ new cafe in Salem, Oregon, represents a vibrant addition to the local coffee scene, offering a welcoming space for coffee enthusiasts to enjoy specialty drinks, delicious food, and community engagement. With a commitment to quality, sustainability, and creativity, Prismatic is poised to become a beloved destination for coffee lovers in the region.
