By Melissa Wagoner
As a real estate developer, Ben Johnston’s goal isn’t just to build buildings, it’s to create spaces for the community to gather.
Which is why, when he was given the opportunity to refurbish the building that once housed the Silverton Flower Shop in the heart of downtown, he knew just what he wanted to do.
“I have kids in the town and I want to create cool spots for them to hang out,” he said, describing the impetus for The Den – a food truck pod and outdoor dining pavilion located behind the newly opened, Silverton Bake Shop. “My big thing is trying to get places where whole families and kids can have a place.”
Home to four food trucks – Rustic Melt, Fire Side Grille, Sabor Tico and Bobablastic – The Den offers everything from Russian-American and Costa Rican cuisine to artisan grilled cheeses, poke bowls and bubble tea.
“We’re trying not to compete with everybody downtown,” Johnston said of the variety he eventually landed on after conducting extensive research.
“I did a lot of polling over the years and I’m always picking my kids’ brains.”
With a formal opening celebration scheduled for May 6 to coincide with both First Friday and the reopening of the nearby Oregon Crafters Market, Johnston is excited to welcome the community for food, drinks, lawn games or to spend time around the fire pit.
“Come down,” Johnston urged, “and just hang out.”
