Downtown Salem's Great Harvest Bread location closes permanently

Great Harvest Bread's downtown Salem location had its last day of operation May 19 after 34 years at 399 Court Street.

The location had a flier on the door and announced the closure a couple weeks prior. Franchise owners Ian and Lonna Hagen wrote it is with "heavy hearts" the location had to close and they had "eyes set on a thriving future."

"After 34 years at this well-loved location our 'nope' sign is going up for good," the flier read. The message includes thanking the downtown businesses, regulars and all customers who have supported the location through the years.

Employee Zander Smith, who had worked for almost two years at the downtown location, said it had been busier since the closure announcement. But he said generally the location had little foot traffic, or at least not enough to maintain operations.

Smith said customers who came in were sad at the announcement, but understood that business hadn't resumed to the same levels it had seen prior to the pandemic.

The Oregon bakery business is most known for its breads, particularly honey whole wheat, its pastry selection and sandwiches. Two other locations in Salem remain open, one in South Salem at 3405 Commercial Drive SE and another in West Salem at 525 Taggart Drive NW.

The company also has eight other locations in Oregon.

To keep up with Great Harvest Bread, check out the website, greatharvest.com.