SALEM, Ore. — Sept. 10, 2025. A new French-American bistro opened today on the second floor of The Forge, the redeveloped Liberty Plaza building in downtown Salem. CLINK! is led by owner Sheena Nash and Executive Chef Brittni Armenta. The restaurant aims to deliver seasonal, Parisian-inspired cuisine in a setting designed for community gatherings.
The grand opening event takes place today at 285 Liberty St NE #230, Salem, OR 97301, beginning at 11 a.m.
The opening marks a step in the ongoing revival of downtown Salem. Once an underused office property, Liberty Plaza has been converted into The Forge, a hub for small businesses, dining, and wellness services. CLINK! serves as the anchor for the second floor, which houses more than 20 beauty and wellness suites.
Nash, a local entrepreneur and farmer-florist, and Armenta, formerly of Cozy Taberna, head the culinary team. They are joined by Chef de Cuisine Amber Armenta and Sous Chef Michael Tousignant. Their menu draws on French traditions and Willamette Valley produce, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes.
“CLINK! is about celebrating life’s moments with bold flavors and a welcoming vibe,” Nash said. “We’re excited to connect with Salem’s community through food and festivity and to be a part of the incredible energy at The Forge.”
Downtown renewal effort
Salem leaders have pushed for years to strengthen the city center through redevelopment and private investment. Downtown vacancy rates reached nearly 20% in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the City of Salem’s Economic Development Division. In the years since, projects such as The Forge have worked to reverse that trend by drawing new restaurants, offices, and housing into the core.
The Forge’s model, built around independent businesses, reflects broader national patterns in urban redevelopment. A 2023 Urban Land Institute report found that food-focused and wellness-driven projects often anchor revitalization in midsize cities, spurring pedestrian traffic and attracting outside visitors.
Grand opening events
CLINK! will host a series of events to mark its launch. They include Wine Wednesday promotions on Sept. 10, a ribbon-cutting with a signature toast on Sept. 12, and a weekend brunch preview Sept. 13–14. Local singer-songwriter Molly Martinka will perform on Sept. 13.
The restaurant will operate Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with late-night service Fridays and Saturdays until 10 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Access is available through an elevator and a sky bridge linking The Forge to the Chemeketa Parkade.
What’s next
CLINK! plans to debut an upscale brunch menu this fall, adding to downtown Salem’s growing roster of weekend dining options. The Forge, still in early stages, will continue adding tenants across dining, retail, and wellness categories. City officials and business leaders are watching closely to see if the model helps stabilize the downtown economy and draw more residents back to the area.
