Salem Eats Checkpoint 221: A Culinary Hub for West Salem’s Diverse Community
In the heart of West Salem, Checkpoint 221 has quickly become a beloved destination for locals seeking a wide array of culinary delights. Unlike a traditional restaurant, Checkpoint 221 offers a unique dining experience by providing a secure and vibrant space for different food cart owners to operate their businesses. Co-founded by Roy Long and Scott Martin, the food pod is a testament to community-focused entrepreneurship and the power of diverse flavors.
The inspiration for Checkpoint 221 emerged from a personal need. “My partner and I both have large families,” Long explains. “It was really hard to find eateries in West Salem where everyone would be happy.” This challenge, combined with Long’s experience at a Portland food cart, sparked the idea of creating a food pod that could cater to the diverse tastes of West Salem’s residents.
Checkpoint 221 is more than just a place to eat; it’s a community hub where people come together. The name itself reflects this ethos. “The term ‘checkpoint’ comes from our backgrounds—my business partner is an ex-firefighter, and I was in the military,” says Long. “A checkpoint is where you meet up, where everyone comes together. And 221? That’s the highway we’re on, Wallace Road, which is actually Highway 221.”
“Our number one theme is family-friendly,” Long emphasizes. “Kids come down after school for boba tea, church groups hold meetings here, and we even host book clubs and game nights. We always prioritize events that cater to all ages.”
Long and Martin have ensured that no two food carts serve the same type of cuisine, creating a melting pot of flavors. “We have everything from Italian and Thai to Iraqi and Mexican. You name it, we’ve got it,” Long proudly states. “We wanted to represent as many cultures as possible, and we’ve succeeded in offering the most diverse selection of food you can find.”
Staffing, a common challenge in the restaurant industry, is something Long approaches with a community-first mindset. “Most of my employees live within walking distance of the bar,” he says. “It’s important to us to keep it local and to pay our staff a living wage.”
Customer feedback plays a crucial role in how Checkpoint 221 adapts to changing tastes. “I personally handle every email, review, and customer comment,” Long says. “I make sure to relay that information to the cart owners so they can adjust as needed. It’s all about communication and being approachable.”
When asked about the future, Long said “in the short term, we’re still getting our feet under us, figuring out what the community really wants, and long term, we hope to duplicate this concept in other underserved communities. We also want to provide more entertainment options in West Salem, whether it’s music, comedy, or dance nights.”
In a city with a rich culinary scene, Checkpoint 221 stands out not just for its diverse food offerings but for its commitment to community. “Our goal is to support local businesses and provide a space where everyone in the community feels welcome,” Long concludes. “At Checkpoint 221, there’s something for everyone, and we’re proud to be a part of this community.”