Salem Coffee Shop Expands into Neighboring Restaurant Space

Odd Meter Coffee Co. to take over Au Gratin luncheonette after owner cites health issues for closure.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The owners of Au Gratin, a French-style pannini and cheese shop in Salem, Massachusetts, have announced that the restaurant will be closing this Saturday. Odd Meter Coffee Co., a local coffee shop, will be taking over the space and expanding its operations to include more breakfast and lunch options.

Why it matters

This transition highlights the evolving nature of Salem's diverse food scene, as a local coffee shop seizes the opportunity to grow its business by taking over a neighboring restaurant space. It also underscores the challenges that small business owners can face, particularly in the hospitality industry, when personal health issues make running a restaurant unsustainable.

The details

The Au Gratin luncheonette, located on Washington Street, will be closing its doors this Saturday. The owner cited health issues as the reason for the closure, stating that the hospitality business has become unsustainable. Odd Meter Coffee Co., a popular local coffee shop, will be taking over the space and expanding its operations to include more breakfast and lunch options, as well as additional seating and walk-through access to both storefronts.

  • Au Gratin luncheonette will close on Saturday, March 15, 2026.
  • Odd Meter Coffee Co. will take over the neighboring space and expand its operations in the coming weeks.

The players

The Denk Family

The owners of the Au Gratin luncheonette in Salem, Massachusetts.

Odd Meter Coffee Co.

A local coffee shop in Salem that will be expanding into the neighboring space vacated by the Au Gratin luncheonette.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I love the hospitality business and the Salem community. But my health issues have made running a restaurant unsustainable. I will be taking a pause to focus on recovery and spend time with my family.”

— The Denk Family, Owner, Au Gratin luncheonette (Social media)

“We hope we can live up to the hype that they brought in the food scene throughout the years in Salem. While the concept will be different, along with most of the food options, we're excited to present to y'all what we've been planning.”

— Odd Meter Coffee Co. (Social media)

What’s next

Odd Meter Coffee Co. plans to unveil more details about its expanded menu and renovations to the space in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This transition highlights the resilience and adaptability of Salem's local food scene, as a beloved coffee shop seizes an opportunity to grow its business and continue serving the community, even as a long-standing restaurant faces challenges and closes its doors.