The Salt Exchange

In their first restaurant collaboration, Martha and Charles Bryon wanted to create a space and experience to embody one of their passions: the art of sharing a beautiful meal.

Charles came to the restaurant world by way of his grandfather Al, a homebrewer and vintner from Maine’s North Coast. Following his example, Charles went deep into the wine world, putting his passion and experience to use working for several of Sonoma County’s notable restaurants and wineries, such as Matanzas Creek and Iron Horse Vineyards. When he returned to the East Coast, Charles was prepared to put his California wine and food expertise into action. That’s when Martha appeared on the scene.

Before the idea of a restaurant emerged, the couple dreamed of opening a gallery. But that dream kept getting put off while the newlyweds focused on other projects, such as their growing family and their jobs in the food industry.

It was during Charles’ tenure as a manager at one of Portsmouth’s historic restaurants that the couple hit on the idea of opening a restaurant of their own; one that would celebrate art and raise food to the level of art as well. It would be a gallery restaurant, and it would give Portland locals and visitors a place to gather and commune. A place where guests could experience approachable, accessible, but still exceptional, food and drinks.

Almost as soon as the decision was made, the Bryons found the right space for their new restaurant, and The Salt Exchange started to gain momentum. When the Bryons met Chef Jacob Jasinski through a mutual friend, they knew they had found the perfect culinary force to shape their vision.

Opening in June 2009, what was once a couple’s dream has already become a community centerpiece. Regular patrons catch up over dinner, newcomers linger over the night’s seasonal menu, and the Bryons, a constant presence at the restaurant, move throughout the room visiting with guests and ensuring that every meal lives up to the experience they envisioned.