Comcast call center confirmed for Liberty Lake

It's been known for a few weeks that Comcast has chosen Spokane for a new customer service call center. Our region was chosen along with Albuquerque,NM and Tucson,AZ for new call centers to improve the Comcast customer service image which has been tarnished several times lately.

But, despite the poor image of the cable TV / Internet / media company, it's still huge news for Spokane, mostly because of it's large job creation. In fact, since it was announced the number of jobs for the center has actually increased. The new call center will now employ 750 people, not 675 as it was originally reported.

The call center will open soon, in a temporary location in Spokane Valley, before relocating to a permanent new building in Liberty Lake. Until now however, the exact location was under wraps. And, as it would turn out what I had previously speculated was correct... The new Comcast call center will be a part of the Meadowwood Technology Campus at 24001 E. Mission. Comcast will join a roster of already big name tenants at Meadowwood including Providence and Safeco Insurance.

Comcast will move into a newly constructed building on the campus, site development is already underway for the project. And, we hear actual building construction could start as early as next week. The site is on the eastern side of Meadowwood and is seen in the picture below...

Comcast hopes to open for business in Liberty Lake sometime during the Summer of 2016, although hiring is underway now. In fact, some are already employed by Comcast locally for this call center, because of their temporary location in Spokane Valley. Customer service phone calls are expected to begin being taken at that site as early as September.

The Spokane Valley Comcast call center is located in a 50,000 square foot space at 2818 N. Sullivan Rd. . For more information on how to get a job at the local call center , visit this website-

http://cmcsa.jobs/SpokaneWa

Naturally, The City of Liberty Lake is very excited to have this big employer in their city. Here is a quote from Liberty Lake Mayor Steve Peterson -

“The city welcomes Comcast and its new employees. Liberty Lake is a connected, high tech, innovative community with a talented workforce. Liberty Lake is a place for Comcast to truly call home as it builds its business and customer base that reflects the changing nature of communication in phone, video, Internet and those future undiscovered information and entertainment platforms.  Comcast and its employees will be able to live, work and play in our friendly community with access to affordable housing, multiple transportation alternatives, educational and recreational opportunities.”

Spokane area resturant openings & closings - July 30th 2015

Here are few of the new restaurants the can be found in and around Spokane, and sadly some restaurant closures as well-

Underground 15

Underground 15 operated in Downtown Spokane at the corner of First and Howard for a little over a year. However the bar has gone out business and from what we here is in the process of being sold. As of writing the there are no new bar / restaurant plans for this location as of yet.

Garland Drinkery relocates, becomes The Foxhole

The Garland Drinkery, a bar that had been in the heart of the Garland District has been revamped and relocated. The small business is now called The Foxhole and can be found over in the Logan Neighborhood at 829 E. Boone ( By the corner of Boone & Hamilton )

The Foxhole still has a full bar but now also has an extended food menu that includes pizza's.

Quality Inn - Downtown's new restaurant / bar

The Quality Inn Hotel Downtown on 4th Ave is not going without a bar and restaurant long. After the closure of the Library Lounge a few months ago it was only a matter of time before that side of the hotel's business would be replaced.

It currently has no official name, but remodeling / redecorating is wrapping up on a small " pub & grill " . A food menu of American dishes will be available as will beer and wine with 4 beers on tap.

Williams Seafood Market & Wines adds restaurant

The locally owned and operated Williams Seafood Market & Wines has operated in Spokane for awhile now. Moving not too long ago to the anchor spot of the strip mall at 2118 N. Ruby, a short drive north of Downtown.

But, in an effort to diversify the business, Williams Seafood has now branched out beyond just the retail sales of seafood and wine. The business recently made to addition of a small fast casual seafood restaurant.

The menu at the new Williams Seafood restaurant space consists of mainly lunch items, like wraps, hot sandwiches, flatbreads and more...

Post Falls a hub a chain restaurant activity

Lots of restaurants are changing on the east side of Post Falls on and around Hwy 41, including...

Quizno's Subs has closed their location at the Highland Crossings Shopping Center

Jack in the Box is on track to open for business in a couple months at the corner Mullan and Hwy 41

Burger King, by the Post Falls Wal Mart is undergoing a remodel and adding a playland. The location was closed for a time but is now back in business.

Starbucks is also working on a remodel of their Post Falls store on Hwy 41

A new Northtown area Burger King

If you've been wondering ( like some of my readers have, thanks for the questions ! ) what's going in on the former Eatza Pizza site on N. Division, just south of Northtown Mall here is your answer...

The site will be a new location of the Burger King chain. No word on an opening date as of yet.

Flaming Joe's closes on the South Hill, may re-open

Flaming Joe's wing restaurants has closed down there location on the South Hill at 2620 E. 29th Ave. From what we have heard this closure is actually because the restaurant's owners have another place where they can own the building as opposed to leasing and hope to re-open there in the near future. No news about where this new location may be yet, however.

The former Flaming Joe's on the South Hill won't stay empty long as the Orangetheory Fitness chain is already working on remodeling the building for a new fitness center.

Flaming Joe's also does still remain in business at 7015 N. Division and 11618 E. Sprague Ave.


What else is coming...

Although we don't know where they are in the process currently, Coeur Coffee House on N. Monroe is in the development phases of new coffee house in the 900 block of E. Sprague Ave.

A non-profit group is developing / remodeling the former Flippers Ice Cream building into a soul food restaurant called Fresh Soul. The site is in the East Central Neighborhood on E. 5th Ave. Watch for more on this exciting new project.

Plus, we're always taking your tips on new restaurants, markets, food trucks, etc...
E-Mail me, Matt Behringer, personally anytime at inlandbusiness@yahoo.com

Vineyard Cafe & Coffee opens in SoDo Spokane

There is a new place by Downtown Spokane to get coffee, breakfast and lunch. And, while it is owned and operated by the religious organization, Healing Rooms Ministries it is open to the public.

This new business is called Vineyard Café & Coffee and it opened recently in a warehouse style building at 115 E. Pacific, corner of Pacific and Pine. And, while it is located a bit of the beaten path, it's still and easy distance away from the Creative Alley neighborhood and the University District.

Vineyard Café & Coffee offers a full coffee / espresso menu and a breakfast menu of primarily bagel and muffin sandwiches. Customers coming in a little bit later in the day can also enjoy a lunch menu of sandwiches, wraps, salads and others.

Vineyard Café & Coffee is fully decorated to look like a European style street café with a relatively small space. Vineyard is open six days a week, open Monday-Friday 7:30am - 3:00pm and Saturday 8:00am - 3:00pm

For more information on Vineyard Café and Coffee find them on Facebook at-

www.facebook.com/vineyardcafespokane

Apollo Spas to open in formerly vacant building along I-90

Apollo Spa's is a chain, with stores around the Northwestern US and Southwestern Canada , but it's here in Spokane where they are choosing to invest right now. With a new store planned in Spokane Valley, that will occupy a building that's been sitting as an empty shell for some time now.

 "Future home of Apollo Spas" signs have already been put up on the building at 11604 E. Indiana, just west of Pines Rd. This new location will be a relocation as the chain has outgrown it's other area location, plus the new store will mean more space and more visibility for the business.

The building faces I-90 nearby the Waste Management plant, seen by thousands upon thousands of commuters each day. The company will remodel the building for their own use with the business opening first in the northern half of the building first, then expanding to the rest of the building as construction allows. In all the new Apollo Spas building has 38,000 square feet.

Apollo Spas has been in business since 1981 , with a focus on hot tub sales and service. But, even though spas is in their name, it's not all that they sell. Apollo Spas also carries saunas , steam showers , jetted bath tubs, walk in safety tubs, massage chairs, pool tables, chemicals and filters.

No word on an exact opening date for the new Apollo Spas on E. Indiana.

For more information on Apollo Spas, visit their website at-

www.apollospas.com

Bulldog Lounge opening in Silver Lake Mall

Bulldog Pipe & Cigar has been selling retail cigars, hookah and other tobacco products from a storefront inside Coeur d' Alene's Silver Lake Mall for awhile now. And while they are still planning on being in business as a retail store, " The Bulldog " is expanding and bringing something new to the mall.

The locally owned and operated business recently leased to adjacent former Gamestop storefront and is now in the process of building out the space as a new smoke lounge. The new space will be called The Bulldog Lounge and it is currently scheduled to open for business in early August.

The Bulldog Lounge will allow cigar aficionados' a place to relax and enjoy their cigars and tobacco products . The space will offer top of the line air filtration, tables and chairs , relaxing couches and a high back chairs and a bar.

The new Bulldog Lounge will maintain it's focus of being a smoking lounge, but will also be part regular bar with a few beers on tap, TV's , wifi and billiards all included.

For more information on Bulldog Pipe & Cigar, plus to watch the progress of this new business, visit their website at-

http://bulldogpipeandcigar.com

Or, find them on Facebook at-

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bulldog-Pipe-Cigar-Co/129011163811696

The Union / Method Juice opening locations in North Spokane

Tyler Lafferty and Nick Murto are already some of the busiest business people in Spokane. They own and operate Seven2, a digital advertising business in addition to The Union and Method Juice, which are both located in Downtown Spokane locations.

But, now The Union and Method Juice are growing with the recent lease of 7704 N. Division in North Spokane for a joint second location to serve the North side. The building is the former Spokane Exercise Equipment store and in the same small strip mall as the new Sip n' Paint art studio.

The building's lease was handled by Chris Bell of NAI Black and Vic Overholser of SDS Realty,Inc. . The space is about 5,000 square feet with The Union using the majority of the space, and Method Juice using the remaining space with a newly built expanded kitchen.

The Union is a yoga and spin class fitness center with only a couple of years of operation locally. Method Juice is a popular Downtown juice bar with some food options. Both businesses will also maintain their original locations once this new location opens. Method Juice is located at 718 W. Riverside and The Union is located at 121 W. Pacific Suite 400.

The new North Spokane The Union / Method Juice is currently scheduled to open this fall after a remodel of the building.

For more information on The Union, visit their website at-

http://www.thisistheunion.com

And, for more information on Method Juice Café, visit their website at-

http://methodjuicecafe.com

Market Street Grill opens in Hillyard

Over the last few weeks people have asked me ( thanks for the questions, by the way ! ) about the construction and now hiring signs at the former Whiskey Dick's on Market St. in Hillyard.

Now, not only can we confirm that this is for a new restaurant, we can confirm it is now open for business. The building, which is actually 3027 E. Liberty, because of it being at the corner Market & Liberty is a new business called Market Street Grill.

Market Street Grill is different then Whiskey Dick's with the new business going for more of a restaurant style establishment. The new business has a new full food menu served in a casual , pleasant atmosphere. The menu sandwiches / wraps , several burgers , entrees like blackened chicken penne and country fried chicken .

A kids menu, ice cream / shake menu and limited beer selection are also available. They are open from 11 - 8 , and for more information about their new restaurant find them on Facebook at-

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Market-Street-Grill/1423830794613726

Garageland opening soon in Downtown Spokane

Garageland is coming soon to Downtown Spokane, remodeling a vacant former nightclub and restaurant and kind of cooling up the eastern edge of Downtown just a bit more.

Garageland will primarily be a record shop, being the second new record store to open in Spokane recently with Groove Merchants now open up in the Garland District. The new Garageland store will carry both new and used vinyl from a verity of artists / genres.

But, records aren't the only thing this new business will have. Garageland is also planning to have a small bar / kitchen for food, beer and wine. The kitchen/bar will also eventually double as an live music venue on occasion. Vintage goods will also be sold in the store portion, but it's untold exactly how much.

On top of providing Downtown with a exciting new retail store, Garageland is also renovating part of building that's been vacant for a while and hopped around between tenants for a time before that. Garageland will occupy the ground floor of 230 W. Riverside, seen above with a CBGB style logo sign.

Garageland will occupy about 3,300 square feet of the building which was leased to the new business by Dallas Lightner of Black Commercial. The other side of the building, which is also empty although it has a large "Paradise Restaurant" sign still on it remains available for lease.

Garageland is in the process of their remodel now and they hope to be open for business later this Summer. For more information about Garageland visit their Facebook page at-

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Garageland/836597859722966

STCU to move Downtown branch, be neighbors of Urban Outfitters

Demolition work is already underway on the Saad Building, attached to River Park Square at the corner of Main and Wall in Downtown Spokane. The building will be quickly replaced by a new, more updated, building that will primarily house Spokane's Urban Outfitters location. That store and building construction are to wrap up around the Summer of 2016. ( More info- http://www.inlandnwbusiness.com/2015/03/urban-outfitters-coming-to-spokane.html )

Urban Outfitters will be the largest tenant of the new building and will face Main, but it turns out the clothing chain won't be the only business joining River Park Square in that new space. Facing Wall St. and directly behind the Urban Outfitters store is more new space. And, we're now hearing who will occupy that area....

Spokane Teachers Credit Union aka STCU will take 2,900 square feet of space on both ground floor and the skywalk level. This will be a relocation of their branch in the Crescent Court Building, in the 700 block of W. Main. The relocation to the new branch will happen sometime in Late 2016 after construction ,etc. is completed. Employees from the branch in Crescent Court will be transferred over to the new location also.

This project mark's STCU's second major investment in Downtown Spokane as the growing credit union acquired the Hutton Building at 9 S. Washington in 2013. Today, they operate a branch and many offices at that building in addition to displaying a large STCU purple billboard on the roof, visible to much of Downtown.

STCU will also sublease a small 400 square foot portion of the new building by River Park Square to another business. The tenant for that space has not been selected as of yet, but STCU assures us it will "compliment surrounding businesses and fit with the Credit Union philosophy of serving the community "

No word on what, if anything, might replace STCU in the Crescent Court Building.

For more information on STCU , visit their website at-

www.stcu.org

Blaze Pizza coming to Spokane

It's been confirmed, another fast casual pizza chain is planning to enter the Spokane market. A competitor of MOD Pizza who also just opened their first Spokane location just last year, Blaze Pizza,has a location in the works in the University District just north of Downtown Spokane.

 

Blaze Pizza's corporate office will only confirm that they are opening a location here. They do say they hope to be open sometime before the end of fall, but won't elaborate on a more exact opening date. When they do open, the Spokane Blaze Pizza will be at 918 Division St, which looks to be the same strip mall as the lone Spokane Chipotle Mexican Grill.

 

We will continue to keep an eye out for more information about this new pizza place. Blaze Pizza is a chain of pizza restaurants that allows customers to pick their toppings from an assembly line style set up. The pizza's are then " fast fire'd" in 180 seconds in their ovens and served fresh.

 

For more information about Blaze Pizza including a look at the menu, and job information, visit their web site at-

www.blazepizza.com

 

Or, watch this Youtube video for more about their concept and how they came to be-

 

Orangetheory Fitness coming to Spokane

If you drove around Spokane last week you may have noticed several bicycles painted Orange strapped to poles,etc. in high traffic areas. Turns out this was actually a market campaign to announce the coming of a new fitness chain to the area.

The bikes have since been removed, due to some people taking offence to their similarity to the all white bikes that mark fatal bike accidents. But, the chain itself is still planning on opening with a projected opening date of sometime in October.

That chain is Orangetheory Fitness , a rapidly growing chain of franchised fitness centers. They are a Florida based company who has a unique approach to fitness by making your heart rate over 85% for 12-20 min. of the work out, something they call the Orange Zone. Customers heart rates are even displayed on monitors for easy reference and goal setting.

Orangetheory Fitness is planning two location in the Spokane area, joining a major rush of new gyms to hit the area recently. They will open first on the South Hill nearby Rosauer's Supermarket at 2620 E. 29th Ave. . Additionally they plan to open another location in North Spokane but are still seeking a site for that location.

The Spokane Orangetheory Fitness locations will each employ between 12-15. For more information about their plans locally find them on Facebook at-

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Orangetheory-Fitness-Spokane-South/990507470962091

Or, watch this Youtube video for more on their concept-

Nick's Homemade Boots moving to former Display House store

A long running local business is moving on up to a bigger space, one that's been vacant for sometime. Nick's Custom Boots which recently changed their name slightly to Nick's Homemade Boots has purchased the former Display House store at 6510 E. Sprague Ave in Spokane Valley.

Nick's, who has been in business locally since the 1960's will move their boot manufacturing and retail boot sales operations to the building from at 3805 N. Market St in Spokane. Not only will this move redevelop the formerly vacant building, it will mark a huge expansion for Nick's Homemade Boots as the new building is more then three times as large as their current home on N. Market.

Currently Nick's Homemade Boots employs about 30, but will likely create new jobs with the new larger facility. They plan to move into the new location sometime in late Summer this year after a full remodel of the building, which is now underway.

The new location is about 20,000 square feet with a prime location nearby the Spokane County Interstate Fairgrounds and many shopping areas. The new location, as mentioned will also include a retail store for their boots.

Nicks Homemade Boots also repairs their boots in their store and sells their many different styles of boots in a networks of dealers and on their ecommerce website.

For more information on Nick's Homemade Boots , or to shop for boots from Nick's visit their website at-

http://nicksboots.com

Or, find them on Facebook at-

www.facebook.com/nickscustombootsusa

Because you asked! July 20th 2015

One of my favorite things that I get to do with this site, is answer the reader questions of what stores / projects are coming in where and when. Unfortunately, because I only write inlandnwbusiness.com part time, I don't know the answer some of the time. But, I'm always happy to get on the case!

So, because of all your questions I figured I'd publicly answer a few of the more common one's today.

Also, if you ever have a question about a construction site, new store or even just want to write me fan mail ;) I'm always taking your emails at inlandbusiness@yahoo.com

Here are some answers for you...

What is going in next to the new Panera Bread in Spokane Valley?

It's pretty cool to see a construction site next door to another like this, shows the economy of Spokane is bouncing back well. This new building has site development basically complete and framing now underway.

I have yet to receive an official notification on it, but building permits filed with the City of Spokane Valley show this will be a new Aspen Dental. Aspen Dental is actually a national chain of dental clinic's which is not in Spokane currently, although they once we're.

Another very interesting project is also in the works in the neighborhood, and we will update you with more on that hopefully soon. This is the 15000 block of E. Indiana, just east of Sullivan Rd.

What's with the construction at the former Dempsey's Brass Rail bar building in Downtown Spokane?

Crews from Mauer Construction are currently hard at work on the second floor of this building only. The building, which is located at 909 W. 1st, was last a bar until it closed a few years ago, since then the entire building has been vacant.

Until now, because local developer Jerry Dicker has acquired the building and is converting the second floor to office space. The office space will become the new HQ for Dicker's company, GVD Commercial Properties, which operates many developments in Spokane and around the Western United States. GVD is moving here from the South Hill.

The first floor will also be renovated soon, with Dicker announcing it will be used for some sort of entertainment ( like another bar ) or arts business to fit in with the building's location in the Davenport Arts District.

The building is also in the same block as the Hotel Ruby, a modern boutique hotel that is also owned by Jerry Dicker.

What is going in at the corner of 16th and Dishman-Mica Rd. in Spokane Valley?

There once was a rumor this would be the confirmed new Spokane Valley Dutch Bros. Coffee location. This is not true, as Dutch Bros. is starting construction soon on their new location at 20 N. Pines by the intersection Pines and Sprague.

In fact, the lot at 16 & Dishman is being developed for a new dentist office. The lot will be converted to a new 3,700 square foot building for Coulter Family Dentistry, who will relocate there this fall from their current location at 12121 E. Broadway, also in Spokane Valley.\

Other questions, that I am still working on...

I've been asked a few other places lately that I haven't been able answer yet. I will know soon, but if you happen to know more about any of these please email me at inlandbusiness@yahoo.com

Market Street Grill (?) going into the former Whiskey Dick's in Hillyard.

The Grande opening in the former Grand Ave. Baskin Robbins space on the South Hill.

La Michoacana Market moving to new location in former University Appliance store on E. Sprague in Spokane Valley.

A new bar (?) called Gas Lamp coming to River Park Square

Major changes in store at River Park Square

Not to brag or anything but, in a way I called it, when I posted on this site earlier this year that 2015 would be a year of change for Downtown Spokane's River Park Square Mall. While many stores will stay where they are today, some others will be in the process of converting to something new in the coming months. Here is what to expect for the Cowles Co. owned Downtown mall...

Some new stores / restaurants already open for business...

 Over the last few months we've seen a couple of business changes that are already complete. Arbor Crest Winery closed their third floor tasting room, but next door Hole Shot Pizza opened up taking over the former Pizza Oven space.

Also, Whiz Kids relocated too a new bigger storefront on the third floor of the mall by the Nordstrom's entrance, they had been on the second floor.

Urban Outfitters is coming, construction starts soon...

The skywalk between River Park Square and the neighboring Macy's store ( across Wall St. ) is to have already closed until the holiday shopping season. This is to allow demolition of the small building there ( called the Saad Building, housed T-Mobile,etc. at one time ) and rebuilding of a new more modern looking building for Urban Outfitters.

Urban Outfitters is planning to open there new store at River Park Square in early 2016, here is some more information about that new store-

http://www.inlandnwbusiness.com/2015/03/urban-outfitters-coming-to-spokane.html

And, a look at what the newly completed store will look like after all the construction wraps up-

Note: Macy's is still open during the construction as this only affects the skywalk. Macy's can be entered at any of their street level entrances including on Main.

Anthropologie store moving forward....

A sister store, but different from to aforementioned Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie , is coming to the "West 809" building across the street from River Park Square, but still owned by the Mall. Construction is already underway on this new store and it is currently scheduled to open for business this fall.

Anthropologie will take the space that was last the Mobius Science Center who is also on the move, moving to newly renovated space in the Avista Post Steet Annex Building not far north of River Park Square.

Kloth opening in West 809

Some additional retail space in the West 809 Building, right next door to the new Anthropolgie store, has also been leased and a new store is on it's way there too.

The business will be a new clothing store concept from the same people who own the locally owned and operated Fringe Boutique. We have inquired about this new store, but they are not ready to make an official comment for opening date,etc...

A new Twigs Bistro & Martini Bar

Twigs Bistro & Martini Bar, a long time restaurant tenant of River Park Square is undergoing a massive remodel to make a bigger, new restaurant with a very unique feature. Twigs will actually now expand out over top of mall's main entry creating a new dining area called Twigs Landing.

During the remodel Twigs will be closed, and take over a the former Gamestop store space, which also closed their store in the Downtown mall earlier this year. Twigs will re-open sometime in the fall, here is the information about that project-

http://www.inlandnwbusiness.com/2015/04/twigs-to-remodel-expand-river-park.html

And, a look at what the new Twigs will look like later this year-

During construction of " Twigs Landing " occasional barricaded closures will have to happen below at the mall entry.

AMC Movie Theater remodel

The AMC Movie Theater on floors 4 and 5 of River Park Square will be involved in all the new changes. This as AMC is planning a floor by floor remodel of their space, beginning next month and wrapping up in December.

Movie goers need not worry however as AMC will keep most theaters and the popular IMAX theater open during the project.

A new restaurant / bar on the third floor...

A new bar and dining concept is coming to third floor space next to the AMC box office on the mall's third floor. The mall mentions this, but liquor licenses only show a name of Gamlamp, we're not sure yet if this will be the name of the new space or not, and exactly what Gaslamp may be.

Leland's Barbershop moving into River Park Square...

To make way for the new Urban Outfitters store / building, the long running, Leland's Barbershop has had to vacate their small storefront facing Wall St in the Saad Building.

But Leland's isn't going anywhere, as the barbershop has already re-opened in a temporary location inside the former Chatters Salon space on the first floor of the mall.

But this location is only temporary as construction workers are hard at work up on the second floor for a new permanent location for the barbershop in the space across from Auntie Anne's Pretzels.

For more information about this project, check this link-

http://www.inlandnwbusiness.com/2015/07/lelands-barbershop-on-wall-moving-into.html

Could more new stores and / or restaurants come to River Park Square?

The answer is a big yes, while the Mall is clearly going strong as one of the busier mall's in the Inland Northwest, they do still have several spaces available for lease. This includes, the prime former Chatters Salon space that I mentioned just moments ago and others.

Plus, it would be great to see some more locally owned and operated businesses in the mall. Sure, the chains bring jobs,etc... but shopping local is the way to go, just sayin'.

For more information about River Park Square, including leasing space at the busy Downtown mall, visit-

http://riverparksquare.com

Chipotle Mexican Grill likely still coming to Coeur d' Alene

In the last several months, you may recall that I've reported that both Chipotle Mexican Grill and Cracker Barrel Restaurants we're both planning locations in Coeur d' Alene. Yet, as of today neither has broken ground locally.

And, while there is still no new news about the Coeur d' Alene Cracker Barrel, it looks like the Coeur d' Alene Chipotle location may actually start construction soon....

I've received a tip from someone close to the plans who says they are still in the works. Currently, ironing out permits etc... with construction start as early as September. An, opening date however is still not known.

The site for this new fast casual restaurant location is still the same... On Appleway, just east of US 95 in between Walgreen's & Tomato Street. This is where a rarely used parking lot stands today. There was also a rumor that Chipotle would locate in the strip mall next to Buffalo Wild Wings, this appears to be false.

We will continue to keep an eye out for more Chipotle news. This would be a second location for the Inland Northwest as the chain already operates one location in Spokane at 930 N. Division.

For more information about Chipotle Mexican Grill, visit their web site at-

www.chipotle.com

The Ledge at Five Mile coming to Northwest Spokane

Rental living is getting bigger and bigger in the Inland Northwest. Several new apartment complexes are either opening soon or now open in all corners of the Lilac City. But, not everyone who rents wants a cookie cutter apartment that looks just like the rest.

Hence, part of the reasoning behind a new development in the Five Mile area of Northwest Spokane. This new project is called The Ledge at Five Mile and it will be a group of cottage style dwellings. The project will be geared towards millennial's with a luxury, modern look and feel.

23 units will be available for rent at The Ledge when it opens, construction on the main buildings will likely start in the fall. Some site development is already underway at the site, removing dirt and " moving mountains of rock"  .

The Ledge at Five Mile's site is on Five Mile Rd. in between Stratton and Kingsford Ave. Here is a look at a rendering of that the completed development will look like...

The Ledge at Five Mile will be rentals but will all actually be small single family homes with no connecting walls, a perk over apartment living. Rent will range from $1,400 for a one bedroom to $1,800 for a two bedroom cottage. The units will be spacious with cool features such as smart home technology.

Surface parking will be provided as will shared patio space. The location is also quiet but still close to the many different shopping and dining options of North Spokane and not far North from the employers of Downtown Spokane.

The project was designed by the Spokane based Christopher Morlan Architecture PLLC with co-owner Ryan Buth / Brylson,LLC being the general contractor and property management once the development opens.

Major changes coming to Enoteca- Fine Wine & Beer #taste509

One of the Inland Northwest's favorite beer & wine shops will see some changes in the next few weeks / months. But, in the end Enoteca , which is currently located at 112 E. Seltice Way, Suite C will still remain much of the same. With a focus craft beer's, fine wine and cocktails.

Enoteca, was recently purchased by new owners " John & Ann " who have been regulars at the business since it opened and decided to take over and improve the business. John & Ann will relocate to store and bar over the next couple of months to a new location just around the corner from the Seltice Way store.

The new Enoteca will be located at 702 N. Spokane St., Post Falls in the building the formerly housed Designer 1 Hair Fashions and a small Laundromat. Both of those business have now gone out of business allowing Enoteca to use the entire building, which is more visible with a better parking situation. The business formerly had to compete for parking with neighbor's Domino's Pizza and White House Grill.

There is no official opening date for the new Enoteca just yet but they plan to be moving merchandise,etc... over to the new building this month. Leading to believe they will open within the next few weeks.

Enoteca is a unique business with both a retail beer and wine shop and full bar, both under one roof. The retail shop stocks many harder to find beers and wines and the bar has beer, wine, sprits and tastings. Enoteca's bar , called Enoteca Drinkery & Refuge has 11 beers on tap, many wines, a list of upscale bourbon & scotch and hand crafted cocktails.

Customers of the Drinkery & Refuge side are also able to eat at the business. While Enoteca does not have a food menu, they are " food friendly " and welcome ordering from any one of the five restaurants that are in the immediate vicinity.

For more information on Enoteca, visit their web site at-

www.corkjoy.com

Or, find them on Facebook at-

www.facebook.com/corkjoy

Sparky's Bistro coming to the Northtown area #taste509

A brand new locally owned and operated deli / bistro is coming soon to the Northtown Office Building in North Spokane ( 4407 N. Division ). Sparky's Bistro has leased and is working on remodeling about 600 square feet of space on the ground floor of the building that was last occupied by Kowalski's Deli & Espresso.

 

While, Sparky's Bistro maybe new to Spokane, the Sparky's name is not. This is because one the owners of the new restaurant was also the owner of Sparky's Firehouse Subs on N. Monroe St.

 

Sparky's Bistro should be open sometime later this month, and will employ between 5-7. The restaurant will still be primarily a sandwich shop, but with higher end meat's and cheese's. In addition, Sparky's Bistro will serve soup and salads.Coffee drinks will also be on the menu with Sparky's serving Craven's Coffee.

 

For more information on Sparky's Bistro, visit-

 

http://sparkysbistro.com 

 

or...

 

www.facebook.com/sparkysbistro

 

Two short lived area businesses closing their doors

Make no mistake, the Spokane area has plenty of cool businesses with exciting concepts that have no intention of leaving. But, unfortunately a couple of business that I reported as opening locally, not long ago are now closing. Those businesses are...

Around the Board, A Board Game Café

At the time I posted about Around the Board, I thought it seemed like a good business idea. But apparently the support just wasn't there as the business owner had planned to run one location here in Spokane and another in Tempe,AZ. But due to the slow pick up in business she has chosen to close the Spokane location and re-open, with just one location in Arizona.

 

Around the Board was located in Downtown Spokane at the corner of Riverside and Lincoln. It had numerous free board games, board game themed décor, and a full coffee shop with some food items.

 

No word on where and when Around the Board will re-open in Tempe. They we're only open for about 3 or 4 months total in Spokane.

 

 

Liberty Lake Organic Market

 

When I first mentioned this business, I thought Liberty Lake seemed like the perfect spot for an organic and natural foods grocery store. And, I still think that, but maybe it was the size or little advertising that has caused Liberty Lake Organic Market to go out of business.

 

The market did not mention the exact reason for their business closure but did mention, on Facebook, that the new Haggen grocery store ( former Liberty Lake Safeway ) will be carrying more local merchandise which hurts the Organic Market's business.

 

Liberty Lake Organic Market was located at 21980 E. Country Vista Blvd. Suite 100.

Coeur d' Alene MOD Pizza opens Saturday, July 11th

Those ( like myself ) who have been waiting for the new MOD Pizza location to open in Coeur d' Alene don't have to wait much longer...

That's because the new Seattle based chain will open their doors tomorrow ( July 11th, 2015 ) at 12:00 noon. Here is the details straight from MOD Pizza's Facebook event page-

"Coeur d'Alene, are you MOD? We're opening the doors to our newest location at 12:00 noon on Saturday, 7/11!

We'll have free pizza for the first 52 fans in line, a drawing for free pizza for a year, a free retro photo booth, and other awesome MOD giveaways!

100% of pizza sales all day will be donated to Union Gospel Mission (Center for Women and Children)!

Invite your friends, get ready to MOD, and be sure to share your photos and stories from the opening here! See ya soon!
www.modpizza.com "

The Coeur d' Alene location is located in the Crossroads at Coeur d' Alene Shopping Center ( The Winco Foods anchored center ) at the corner of Ramsey Rd. and Appleway just north of I-90. 

This new location will be the second location in the Inland Northwest as the chain opened a location at 3104 E. Palouse Hwy on Spokane's South Hill earlier this year. They will also open a location at 707 W. Main in Downtown Spokane later this year.

For more information about MOD Pizza, including their menu, visit-

www.modpizza.com

And, for more information about the MOD Pizza locations of the Inland Northwest check out these links-

http://www.inlandnwbusiness.com/2015/04/mod-pizza-opening-in-both-spokane-coeur.html

http://www.inlandnwbusiness.com/2015/05/mod-pizza-coming-to-downtown-spokane.html

Bonefish Grill & Outback Steakhouse planning locations at Northtown Mall

Turns one rumored new restaurant at Northtown Mall is actually true, but it's not The Cheesecake Factory ( well, at least not yet ). We had heard from numerous sources that some of the newly renovated North side of the Mall would house and Outback Steakhouse.

And, now thanks to a pending building permit with the City of Spokane, we can say Outback is in the works for Northtown.

Outback Steakhouse will likely be moving their restaurant from the Franklin Park Commons shopping center to Northtown Mall soon. But, that's not all that's planned at Northtown...

This new restaurant will actually be what appears to be a hybrid of sorts for two restaurants brands. Outback Steakhouse will share kitchen space with a new Bonefish Grill. Bonefish Grill is another restaurant brand of Bloomin' Brands which owns Outback, in addition to a handful of other up and coming restaurant chains.

Bonefish Grill is growing chain that features primarily seafood and American menu items. Bonefish Grill operates around 160 locations and is headquartered in Tampa,FL.

 

This would be the Spokane area's first Bonefish Grill location and we don't have an opening date or news on how many new jobs this new restaurant will create. Watch for update posts for this news as we get it.

 

As mentioned before, this is a sort of a hybrid restaurant with a combined kitchen for both Bonefish Grill and Outback Steakhouse. But the dining rooms will be separate with the total amount of space used by the 2 restaurants being around 8,600 +/- square feet.

 

This is the latest update on the newly opened renovations to the north side of Northtown Mall. A new Buffalo Wild Wings was added in the new space and is now open, in addition a new second location of Urban Blends Coffee Shop is also in the works for this section of the Mall.

 

 

For more information on Bonefish Grill, including menu and employment visit-

 

www.bonefishgrill.com

 

For more information on Outback Steakhouse, visit-

 

www.outback.com

 

 



New restaurant review: Stateline Subs & Pizza #taste509

Today's new restaurant review is of one of the lesser known new restaurants in the Inland Northwest, State Line Subs and Pizza . This new sandwich / pizza business opened late last year at 6891 W. Seltice Way in the small town of State Line,Idaho . The business is tucked away in to small suite next door to the Saddle Sore Inn Bar.

This is completely a locally owned and operated business, when I stopped in it felt like a family serving you the best food they could. And, with a few other customers in the restaurant at the time of my visit I'm apparently not the first to notice this new local business.

They advertise their subs as being just like from "back East " , and being from Ohio originally I was extra interested by this claim. And, although I'm not an expert I would say that is a fair claim. I ordered the pastrami, swiss and kraut sub. It was made fast and fresh, and came with some of their house made chips.

It was loaded and huge, probably the largest sub made in the area. But, the price is actually not bad for all that you get. My order was to go and came in a cardboard box, likely from some of their food items, which was different but in a way kind of cool showing that this really is a small business and not some chain with mass produced bags.

Here is a look at my sub from Stateline Subs & Pizza-

Kind of messy for sure but still good taste. They also offer the chips, and fountain pop. Some cans of pop are also available in a cooler near the door. As the name implies Stateline Subs & Pizza also makes pizza, but because this was my only visit to their establishment I can't speak of what the pizza is like there.

The menu is fair sized with several different subs and pizza available. Unfortunately my picture of their menu didn't look as I planned it to so I can't post it, but you can see a copy on their Facebook page which can be found at the bottom of this article.

The look of the business is very basic, with dine in and carry out available. Sure there it's not fancy and the chairs are yard furniture but keep in mind that they are a small business, likely with a small budget. Here is a look at the inside of Stateline Subs & Pizza-

Would I go back to Stateline Subs & Pizza? yes, Would I recommend them to others? yes. It's nice to have such an option in the Post Falls / Liberty Lake area.

For more information on Stateline Subs & Pizza visit their web site at-

http://statelinesubsandpizza.com/

Or, find them Facebook at-

https://www.facebook.com/statlelinesubsandpizza

Resturaurant openings and closings around Coeur d' Alene #taste509

One thing is for sure, people love to know about new restaurants. A recent column of Nils Rosdahl's Business Bits in the Coeur d' Alene Press touched on several in and around the Lake City. And, because he's shared this blog before I figured I'd link to his column....

http://cdapress.com/news/business/article_f40e6a15-59b3-5f48-8bf6-faef70fc008e.html

Here is what is included in the column-

Kiko's Harbor House Grill opening

Kiko's is a new Asian American grill restaurant in the new harbor house building within the new McEuen Park atowntown Coeur d' Alene. Being within the park itself, Kiko's is all open air, however they do serve beer and wine.

Kiko's is owned by the same owners as the Tiki Hut food trailer over in City Park during the Summer months.

Uva Trattoria moves into Downtown Coeur d' Alene

Uva Trattoria  Italian Restaurant will try to make a go of it in a building that's housed a number of restaurants in recent years.  Their new location will be 309 E. Lakeside, which was last home to Fork Restaurant.  While on Lakeside the restaurant is visible from a small section of the Sherman Ave. strip.

Uva Trattoria will have two dining rooms and continue to serve an excellent menu of Italian dishes. Gluten free and Vegan dishes are available as are beer and wine.

Kaiju Sushi & Spirits opening in Downtown Coeur d' Alene

We know only a little of this new Sushi restaurant coming soon to 424 E. Sherman Ave. Watch for more...

A Coffee shop in the former Oil Can Henry's?

The above column mentions news coming soon of a new coffee business coming soon to the vacant former Oil Can Henry's on N. 3rd in Midtown Coeur d' Alene. I personally have no info about this so watch for more...

The Coeur d' Alenes Restaurant and Susie's Home Kitchen go out of business.

Sadly, both The Coeur d' Alene's Restaurant (1116 Ironwood Pkwy, Coeur d' Alene ) and Susie's Home Kitchen ( 445 W. Cherry Lane , US 95 & Cherry Lane ) have both now closed.





Also, not included in the column but equally noteworthy is was the opening of the newest coffee shop in Downtown Coeur d' Alene, Renee's Downtown Café.  Renee's Downtown is a new second location of Renee's Espresso & Juice Bar at 514 W. Bosanko Ave.

We'll be checking this new business out very soon

Renovations coming for two historic buildings on the West side of Downtown Spokane

With all of the development happening and new business opening up on the eastern side of Downtown Spokane it's extra special when we hear of new projects on the western side of Downtown. And, while it's not the only project or new business in this section of the city, it is the newest and among the more exciting.

That project is the full renovation of the historic Norman Building at 1121 W. 1st Ave and the historic Jefferson Building at 115 S. Jefferson. These two buildings, while separate are both together just west of the Davenport Arts District at the corner of 1st and Jefferson. Viewers of KHQ News may recognize them for being near the middle of the shot for the news' tower cam which looks south from the KHQ studios.

The new renovation project will be headed up by Yellow Door Properties,LLC of Spokane. Wells & Co. who has done many historic renovation projects around Spokane will do the design work. There is no construction start date as of yet, but we expect it to start soon as the buildings are to be ready for occupancy around the Spring of next year.

The ground floors of both The Norman and The Jefferson building will be renovated into new commercial space. About 10,000 square feet of newly remodeled commercial space will be available, and the boxing business, Spokane Boxing has already leased a some storefront space there.

Upper floors of both buildings will be residential uses. The Jefferson Building will house 8 condos and the Norman Building will house 8 apartments.

Several big construction projects in Airway Heights

With a estimated 37.1 percent increase in population between this year and 2010, Airway Heights is by far the fastest growing city in the Inland Northwest. Now, the small West Plains suburb of 8000 is growing even more with several construction projects all around the city. Including several within about a mile of the US 2 / Hayford Rd. intersection on the east side of the community.

Here's what we know of these construction projects-

Bell Motel site, US 2 and Flint Rd.

The small weekly rental Bell Motel may soon be no more. Construction has yet to start, but we have learned the motel's neighbors , Auto Credit Sales , is planning to purchase and tare down the existing motel. It will likely be used for more vehicle parking for the car sales business.

Currently that Auto Credit Sales location is closed to the public, so it's unclear if they will open it for public auto sales or just an expansion of their wholesale / auto repair operations that are there now.

New shopping center, US 2 near Hayford Rd.

The intersection of US 2 and Hayford is already the site of a large Wal Mart anchored shopping center. But developer , Vandervert Developments & Hotels of Spokane , is making the center a bit larger with a new strip center directly along US 2. This is what is under construction now in-between Jack in the Box and O'Reilly Auto Parts.

Here is a look at that construction site-

This new strip mall will be a 12,121 square feet offers seven total space for either retail or restaurants . Of those store spaces, two have already been leased with a Papa Murphy's Pizza and AT&T already signed on as opening stores there.

The remaining spaces are still available for lease $18 per square foot, per year or $4.50 per square foot under a triple net lease.

This is only the start has the large shopping center, called Crosspointe Plaza also has planned expansion land to the east of the main center, where a Big R / North 40 Outfitters store was once rumored to open. Today, that chain owns land elsewhere in Airway Heights but has yet to move forward with store plans there.

Kalispel Tribe's new C-Store

Further down US 2, in between Hayford Rd. and Garfield Rd. sits another construction site with the steel frame now showing...

Upon it's completion later this year, this will be a new gas station and c-store owned and operated by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. This new store will be similar to their existing Chevron at Legacy Landing only a short drive from here on Hayford Rd.

Northern Quest Resort & Casino upgrades

While not as big as some of their past construction projects, the Kalispel Tribe is still investing in their Northern Quest Resort & Casino. Two projects have happened recently there, first is the still in progress full upgrades of the casino HVAC system. Because of this, portions of the casino must be blocked off, but in the end guest will surely enjoy their new system.

Also, Marketplace which was originally more a retail store with coffee has been fully renovated and now is mainly a coffee shop. Marketplace does still however sell some gifts, and a selection of beer and wine.

Here is a look at the new Marketplace at Northern Quest Resort & Casino-

Marketplace also has a small food menu and complimentary wifi for customers. Something makes this blogger very happy:)


Keep watching for more new business news from Airway Heights, and all of the Inland Northwest!

Seright's Ace Hardware opening new location in Rathdrum

Kootenai County's locally owned and operated mini chain of Ace Hardware stores is growing. Following upon recent successes at their stores in Post Falls and Coeur d' Alene, Seright's Ace Hardware is now planning a new third location in Rathdrum.

The business plans to break ground on a new building for their store sometime within the next couple of weeks. The current scheduled opening should be during the first quarter of 2016, at their site at 14236 N. HWY 41 on the south side of Rathdrum.

The new ACE Hardware store will be about 18,000 square feet and feature all of the traditional hardware brands common in ACE stores such as STIHL , Craftsman , Valspar and more. In addition to the tool and hardware departments, this new ACE store will have a outdoor garden center. The new store will create some new local jobs, with 10-12 new employees to be hired within their first year of business.

In addition to the growth of Seright's ACE Hardware, the business was also recently named the 2015 Family-Owned Business of the Year by the US Small Business Administration , Seattle District Office.

ACE Hardware is a large retailers cooperative based in Oak Brook,Ill.  The company operates 4600 + locations, both in the United States and internationally. In Kootenai County, ACE Hardware locations are family owned by Sandy, Nancy and Brett Seright.

Until the Rathdrum store opens Kootenai County residents can still shop at ACE in the following locations-

Post Falls- 1604 E. Seltice Way   208-773-1581

Coeur d' Alene- 1217 N. 4th  208-667-9466

For more information on Seright's ACE Hardware, visit their web site at-

http://www.serightsace.com/

Panera Bread is confirmed to also be opening in North Spokane #taste509

Recently I mentioned that it looked strongly that the Panera Bread restaurant chain would also be opening a location in North Spokane. This, after the news broke in February that they would enter the Spokane market with a new location in Spokane Valley.

Today, that Spokane Valley Panera Bread is already rising from the ground fast and promises to open in August ( more on that here- http://www.inlandnwbusiness.com/2015/02/panera-bread-is-coming-to-spokane-valley.html ) . And, now thanks to helpful corporate rep with Panera we can confirm that their plans to build a second local location, in North Spokane, is true!

The company is still early in the process of creating this new location so no building permits have been issued as of yet. But they will be issued in the coming months for a site on N. Division nearby the new Lowe's store, just north of Francis. The new Panera's address would be 6500 N. Division.

The chain is hoping to open the new location in North Spokane right around early Summer of next year. The North Spokane location will be basically identical to the new location that's being built at 15716 E. Indiana in Spokane Valley now. Both will have about 5,100 square feet of space and create in the 65-75 range for new jobs.

Panera Bread is a rapidly growing chain of fast service café / bakery style restaurants. They already operate 2000+ locations, all ran for their headquarters in Kirkwood,MO.

For more information about Panera Bread, visit their web site at-

www.panerabread.com

Two big new construction projects kicking off locally

Two new construction project are beginning soon in Downtown Spokane. Join the several other projects already underway in the always improving Downtown core. Both of these projects will have ground breakings / open house to introduce their plans soon, here is what's happening when and where...

Mobius Science Center pre-construction sneak peak.

Mobius was forced out of their original home in the 809 W. Main building across from River Park Square. Mobius had to leave to make way for a new Anthropologie store that is to open there in the fall of this year. Also, we've heard a hair salon may also open in that same building.

Today, Mobius Science Center is still in business, just in temporary space on the third floor of the Downtown branch of the Spokane Public Library. Mobius' sister museum, Mobius Children's Museum is un affected by all this and remains open in the basement of River Park Square mall.

Mobius Science Center will move soon to their new permanent home , and a cool new home at that, the historic former Post Street Substation building along the Spokane River just north of the Spokane City Hall. Their pre-construction sneak peak will be held at this site, here are the details on that...

Mobius sneak peak open house @ their future home, 331 N. Post St.

Wednesday, July 8th 2015 05:00 - 06:30 pm , RSVP necessary via their web site at-

http://mobiusspokane.org/mobius-science-center/sc-calendar

This event will give the public a chance to look at renderings of the new science center and ask questions about the plans. Sam Nystrom of Nystrom + Olson Architects will speak and refreshments will be served.



Peppertree Center on Third Ave. breaking ground

In case you missed my prior post, the large hole at the corner of N. Division and Third will soon actually built on. The hole was dug for a hotel project that stalled during the Great Recession but now the same developer is starting a new project there.

  
This new building will more technically be located at 2 W. Third Ave and will be a multi-tenant shopping center style building with surface parking lot. No tenants have been announced there as of now but some restaurants will likely be included. The second floor will be used for office space, of which some space has already been leased for a HQ for the developers several Best Western branded hotels.

Construction will start soon, likely after a ground breaking which will be held in a couple of weeks. Here is the information of ground breaking planned for the Peppertree project-

Peppertree Center Groundbreaking

July 16th at 09:00am at the project site.

Bagels and coffee will be provided by Einstein Bros. Bagels

Escape, a puzzle room escape business, opening soon in North Spokane

A new business, with a entertaining concept, new to the Spokane area is in the process of setting up shop now in North Spokane. That business is called Escape and it will feature a "puzzle room" set up to lock a group of people in and then have them try and get back out.

The puzzle room will be themed and guests must unlock clues, complete puzzles and more all to figure out how to " escape ". Guests will have one hour to escape under the current prison escape theme they are planning to start with. The cost is $28 per person or $199 for a group. Although Escape is not yet open for business, time booking is already available on their web site, which is listed at the bottom of this post.

Escape is a locally owned and operated business, that currently plans to open on Friday, July 10th. The business will occupy about 3,000 square feet of space at 7456 N. Division ( Cascade Plaza, near the North Spokane Costco ) .

Escape will also offer a party / meeting room that can be booked for groups utilizing the puzzle room. Catering is not on site, but they do mention they have special relationships with a number of local food and beverage companies to get you and your group a good deal on this service.

Individuals and groups of all kinds are welcome, birthday party's, corporate events, really anything as a puzzle room can be a great team building experience for all.

For more information about Escape, visit their web site at-

www.dareyou2escape.com

Or, find them on Facebook at-

www.facebook.com/dareyou2escape

Leland's Barbershop on Wall moving into River Park Square

With almost 60 years of experience cutting Spokane's hair, Leland's Barbershop on Wall can probably be called an institution, not just a business. But, unfortunately Leland's Barbershop stands in the way of progress....

Leland's had been in small storefront facing Wall St, under a block north of W. Main, close by River Park Square Mall. But, it's been announced that the small building that housed Leland's will soon be replaced by a new space to accommodate the new Spokane Urban Outfitters location. Which will still be attached to the mall, but will likely take up all of the new space.

Urban Outfitters is not scheduled to open until 2016, but the space has to be empty early, meaning Leland's Barbershop on Wall has already closed for business in their Wall St. storefront.

Customers of Leland's won't need to fear as the long running barbershop is already back in business, inside River Park Square. Leland's Barbershop is now in a temporary space right on the ground floor of the mall. The shop now occupies about half of the former Chatters Salon space, next to Pottery Barn near the front mall entrance.

Construction crews are also now working on a permanent home for the barbershop, actually within in mall, but on the second floor. The new Leland's Barbershop space will be across from Francesca's and Auntie Anne's Pretzel Shop. This will also give Leland's excellent exposure and access from the many Downtown workers that use the sky bridge to the Crescent Court Building which is also right by this new space.

The same staff and hair cutting choices will remain at the new location. No word on exactly when the old location will officially be demolished. A few other businesses have also left that same small building. T-Mobile and Smart Smoke both closed their locations there for good. Two second floor retail spaces we're also in the building but had been vacant for a few months now.