Glazed and Confused Donuts opens inside a Spokane Valley dispensary (actual donuts coming soon)

 You've likely seen Glazed and Confused Donuts popping up at any number of local events in recent years. But now they've opened in a more permanent location in Spokane Valley. Sharing space with another local business that in a way go hand in hand.

Glazed and Confused has opened a stand within the Locals Culture House, a Cannabis dispensary located at 9616 E. Sprague Suite C in Spokane Valley. The new place is new open but as of the writing of this their actual donuts aren't available just yet and are coming soon. What is available is a menu of coffee, smoothies, Lotus & Red Bull drinks and lemonades. 

The new shop also offers "dirty soda" options where one can order sodas with various flavors and cream. Food wise the new Glazed and Confused does have options there too with bagels and breakfast sandwiches. Given the location of the business, customers do need to be 21 and over to enter however delivery is available via DoorDash.

They tell me they do still plan to be open at some events too over the Summer. However, they can't say exactly when and where yet as they will also be building out another new location that is set to open to 2025. They tell me too that it is too early in the process to reveal where that new location will be.

For more information on Glazed and Confused Donuts, visit their website at https://www.confuseddonuts.com or follow them on Facebook

 

Al Bacha Mediterranean Restaurant to open on Hamiliton in Spokane

 A new restaurant specializing in many Mediterranean dishes is coming soon to 2024 N. Hamilton in Spokane. This is next door to the popular Birria Tijuana restaurant, and in a space that was used sometime ago for another unrelated Mediterranean restaurant.

The new restaurant will be the third location for Al Bacha which started in Seattle and recently opened a new second location in Tacoma. There is no opening date for the new Spokane restaurant just yet but I'm told they are hoping to open it in about 3 months from now, so likely sometime during the Summer. 

Al Bacha does not plan to include liquor on the menu but they do boast an extensive menu consisting of gyros, shawarma, falafel, kababs, salads, sandwiches and more. The restaurant also advertises that they use 100% halal meats in all their dishes. 

For more information on Al Bacha Restaurant, visit the website of their original location in Seattle at- https://www.albachabroadway.com

AAA Washington opens first Spokane fleet center

 To better meet the needs of their members, AAA Washington recently announced the expansion of their fleet operations with a relocation of a Seattle area fleet center and the opening of a new Spokane fleet center, the first one in our area. The AAA Washington fleet centers are essentially a hub for their towing and roadside assistance services in a designated area.

Courtesy photo at the new AAA Washington Spokane fleet center.

"This fleet expansion is about elevating the level of service that defines our commitment to every member we serve. Along with our expanded fleet, we will continue to work closely with our long-standing network of service providers to ensure that we remain a trusted partner on the road, today and well into the future" said Percy Hoffman, VP of automotive solutions at AAA Washington.

The new Spokane fleet center is located on E. Springfield on Spokane's east side and is a fleet only center so it is not open to the public. However, AAA members can receive services from it at anytime by calling the number on their membership card and a tow truck driver will be dispatched to their location. The new center will also add EV roadside services in the near future but it is not available here as of my writing this.

For more information about all the services offered by AAA Washington, visit their website at https://wa.aaa.com

Thrive International and Spokane Public Library to develop new affordable housing and shared library facility.

 Spokane Public Library and Thrive International recently announced a partnership to develop a new facility at 6980 N. Nevada St in Northeast Spokane. The new project will create at least 45 units of affordable housing on a currently 1.62 acre property that the library has owned since the 1990's. In addition to housing, the development will feature a public event and learning space operated by the library as well as a playground, greenhouse and a 24/7 Library kiosk.

 Half of the units of the affordable housing will be reserved for refugees, with the other half open to the general population. The library will manage the public event and learning space as part of the more than 40 public event spaces available at their seven other locations and will program free community events. Onsite services will also include healthcare, job training, language classes and social services all coordinated by Thrive. 

The project is powered by Courage Housing, who is supporting financing and investment. Initial site improvements will begin in Spring 2024, groundbreaking in late 2024, and opening expected in 2025. The project is currently still a work in progress, so no renderings of the planned development are available just yet and the project has yet to go out to bid for a general contractor. But we hope to be able to do an update on this project as it progresses so stay tuned.

For more information on the Spokane Public Library visit http://spokanelibrary.org

For more information on Thrive International visit http://www.thriveint.org

Wetzel's Pretzels and Spill The Tea coming to the Post Falls Pavilion

 New places to eat are coming soon to the Post Falls Pavilion food truck court, located along Horsehaven Ave., just west of Hwy. 41 in Post Falls. The food truck development hosts numerous outdoor food trucks, a Jitterz Espresso drive thru and a few indoor restaurants / dining space.

The new places coming are:

Wetzel's Pretzels the famous pretzel chain who've likely seen in malls all over the country is coming to Post Falls Pavilion. This time though they will be inside a yellow food truck near the entrance to the site. We're told the new Wetzel's Truck should be open sometime within the next couple of weeks. (Follow their local account on Instagram)

Spill The Tea will be a new inside vendor at the site. The new business will offer boba milk tea's and an acai bar. Their new place will likely be opening in late April or early May. (Follow them on Instagram )

Additionally I'm told two more new food trucks will be joining the site soon but it's too early to give out names and information on those. So, we will try to do an update either on the blog or our social media pages when we know more.

New regionally inspired restaurants and retail shops coming to Spokane International Airport

 Big changes are coming to the landscape of restaurants and retailers inside the Spokane International Airport. This comes as the airport announced today that they have awarded a new concessions program contract to SSP America, which is a leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide. The contract is a 10 year lease for SSP to lease, develop and manage the airports concessions program.

Courtesy photo of the purposed new The Yards Bruncheon location at Spokane International Airport. One of several new dining options coming soon to the airport.

SSP America's lease will be effective April 1st,2024 and the company will oversee six retail locations and 11 restaurant locations in the airport's terminal and soon to be open expanded concourse C gate area. The company will implement a new food and beverage program focused on local restaurants which celebrate the regions culinary landscape.

Under SSP America the airport's new restaurants and retail offerings will feature offerings from Zona Tacos and Tortas by the two-time James Beard Award semi-finalist for Best Chef Northwest & Pacific and restauranter Chef Chad White. As well as The Yards Brucheon by Chef Adam Hagsted who is also a James Beard Award semi-finalist. 

The restaurant line up will also include local favorites Jack & Dan's Tavern, Iron Goat Brewing Co., Wanderlust Delicato, Wiley's Downtown Bistro and more. "Our ultimate goal is to shine a spotlight on the people, brands and flavors that make each region distinct and be thankful for the opportunity to become a part of the Spokane International Airport community" said Scott Welding, senior vice president of development and pursuit of new airports, SSP America.

Update- The above map has been added showing the new places. It’s a bit hard to see though I’m sorry, we’ll hopefully have updates on this project in the future.

Three new businesses to celebrate joint grand opening this weekend in Downtown Spokane

 Despite the negative press surrounding restaurants and other business closing Downtown for various reasons, new businesses are also still opening in Downtown Spokane. And three new businesses in the Empire State Building at 905 W. Riverside are hosting a joint grand opening celebration on Sunday, March 24th.

While these businesses all opened in 2023, renovations and logistics mean they are just now hosting their grand opening. All are new service businesses, they include-

ECW Beauty - described as your destination for natural glam hair and makeup services. Offering special event beauty services, beauty classes and beauty parties.

The Brow Atelier  - doing brows, lamination, lash extensions and microblading. 

The Bagel Authority - A bagel shop and bar serving delicious steamed bagels and bagel sandwiches.

During the grand opening event, guests can enter raffle giveaways from 7 different vendors, experience 15 min. mini-makeup tutorials, 15 brow tutorials and visit with 5 guest vendors. The event will be held at each business from 1-4p on Sunday March 24th.

For more info on each business follow their individual pages on Instagram ( ECW Beauty / The Brow Atelier / The Bagel Authority )

Taqueria Guerrero opens brick & mortar restaurant in Spokane Valley

 After completing renovations to the building, a popular Spokane Valley based food truck has expanded into a new restaurant space. The new Taqueria Guerrero restaurant opened at the beginning of the week in the building at 8021 E. Sprague Ave. , a building the food truck could often be found parked outside of in recent months.

The new place offers take out and indoor dining with a menu of delicious Mexican dishes. Street tacos, burritos, main course plates and more are all offered. Daily specials are also available.

For more info on Taqueria Guerrero follow them on social media via Facebook or Instagram

Breauxdoo and High Voltage Ice Creamery to open in Indian Trail neighborhood

 The locally owned Breauxdoo bakery and its sister business, High Voltage Ice Creamery, both located on Sprague in Spokane Valley are a favorite of many. But now it looks like they have their eyes set on expanding northward.

The businesses announced just today, via social media, that they are planning a new hybrid location with both stores in one space in the Indian Trail neighborhood. Signage is already up with work starting to remodel the space for their use.

This new hybrid location will be at 9021 N Indian Trail Rd. in-between Safeway and Subway in the shopping center there. Currently they plan to open this location sometime during the Summer.

North Point Plaza development in Post Falls holds ground breaking

Courtesy photo- Jordan Wirsz of Corhaven,left and John Young of the general contractor Young Construction Group of Idaho,right.

Jordan Wirsz, President of Corhaven Properties, broke ground this week for Grocery Outlet and 7-Eleven at his new retail development, North Point Plaza in Post Falls. The shopping center is located on the northeast corner of Highway 41 and Poleline Avenue, and boasts seven acres of prime retail development land. Grocery Outlet and 7-Eleven are the first two tenants to be announced and start construction, although developer Jordan Wirsz says that more tenant announcements are to come. There are five remaining parcels in the development. 

Courtesy renderings of the planned new 7-11 and Grocery Outlet stores coming to North Pointe Plaza

For more information about the project, contact Jordan Wirsz 208-834-1000 or visit www.corhaven.com

Spokane's first rotating pop-up bar/venue opening in Downtown Spokane

 A new rotating pop-up bar/venue is coming to Downtown Spokane. Located at 221 N. Division the new place is called Servante, named for the noun Servante- a theatrical prop used by a magician with the purpose to misdirect the audience.

Although the new business has already hosted a couple of invite only events, they have now announced their official grand opening. Plans call for a Candyland land themed grand opening event that they describe as a taking "color-coded jaunt into one of our most beloved games growing up". The event will feature themed drinks, over-the-top desserts and a full candy bar collab from Fluffy's Candy.

The Candyland grand opening at Servante will be a 5 day event from April 3-7. A cover/event access fee of $10 will be charged and RSVPing is recommended. This event is to act as a peek into themed pop-ups planned at Servante. They say every month will be multiple themes, new ideas, new decor and even new staff running the shows.

For information on the Candyland event, check their event page on Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/events/908546514345042/ 

And, to follow along the progress and future events at Servante follow them on social media via Facebook or Instagram

Modern new apartment building planned on Sharp, across from Gonzaga

 A 2004 article in the Gonzaga Bulletin newspaper references the home at 803 E. Sharp and the likely end of "803" a well-known party house for Gonzaga students.  And, while I'm not sure if the parties ever did start back up in the rental home it does still stand on the northeast corner of Sharp & Cincinatti.

Rendering of the planned new apartment building, courtesy of Farr Group and Trek Architecture.

But likely not for too much longer as a large new apartment building is presently in development for the site. Current plans call for construction to start in late summer for a new 4 story multi family structure to be built on the site providing 17 new apartments. The building will provide student housing as it's located across the street from campus.

The project is being developed by Farr Group NW, a general contractor has not yet been picked but architectural work is being done Trek Architecture.

Colfax planning new Downtown restaurant incubator

 Colfax, the small town in-between Spokane and Pullman has an exciting new restaurant incubator project in the works for the city's downtown area. And applications are now being accepted for business owners interested in running new restaurants in the space.

Located at 102 N. Main St. the building is a 3521 square foot structure built in 1972 and owned by the Colfax Downtown Assocation. Significant renovations have already commenced to update and modernize the building with the goal of having not one, but two new restaurants occupying the shared space hopefully by June. The Colfax Downtown Association says they plan to host these restaurants via lease's for approximately 2-5 years, depending on the restaurant's needs.

Courtesy photos by Colfax Downtown Association

Interested parties can submit applications to operate in the space by March 22nd, with a lot more details on the plans in the link at the bottom of this article. Applications will be considered by a review panel in the days after the deadline.

The space includes a shared commercial kitchen with type 1 hood, shared private dining room, full-service bar station, operational drive thru window and more.  Those interested in obtaining a lease at the new Colfax Downtown Restaurant Incubator, check their project website at http://colfaxdowntownassociation.com/application/

Also watch this site as I plan to track what new restaurant(s) end up opening in the new space.

Eats on Spokane St. food truck court planned in Post Falls

 An exciting new food truck court project called Eats on Spokane St is coming to the Post Falls city center area. The new place is planned to occupy a vacant lot at the corner of Second & Spokane St. next door to Post Falls Brewing Company.

Signage recently went up on the parcel as they plan to break ground in April, with the site opening sometime during the Summer. The project will feature a 30x50 shed roof pavilion with roll up doors that will host two restaurant tenants, indoor dining space and restrooms. The indoor tenants have already been announced and will be new places called Melfit Healthy Kitchen and Nachos Cantina. 

In the outdoor areas Eats on Spokane St. will host eight food trucks, the owners of the projects are actively seeking food truck tenants but exact details of who will open there will be announced as the project progresses (follow their pages linked below). They also plan to host events like live music, movie nights, corn hole tournments,etc. The outdoor area will also offer concrete patio space for additional seating and fire pits.

For more information on Eats on Spokane St., visit their website at http://eatsonspokanest.com and follow them on social media via Instagram or Facebook

Supa! Authentic Japanese Kitchen opens in Cheney

A new Japanese eatery is now open in Cheney. Located at 321 1st Ave., across from the Owl Pharamacy, Supa! Authentic Japanese Kitchen serves a menu of ramen, poke bowls and sushi rolls. Gyoza and many boba and milk teas, including cheese foam options are also available.

The restaurant features indoor dining, carry out and delivery is also via DoorDash. The new restaurant is open Mon-Sat 11-8, for more information on Supa! including a look at their menu, visit their website at http://lovesupa.com

Also follow Supa! Authentic Japanese Kitchen on their Instagram page.

It's a Love Story, romance bookstore and cafe coming soon to Hayden

 Described as North Idaho's first romance bookstore & cafe and likely the first one in all of the Inland Northwest, It's a Love Story Books & Cafe is a locally owned and operated business that is planned to open soon in Hayden. The business will be located in a new 1900 SF space at 8927 Hess St Suite A, just north of Walmart.

Courtesy photo- Bjorkman family, owners of It's a Love Story Books & Cafe.

The company already sells some titles online (links at the bottom of this article) but will open their brick-and-mortar store after construction is complete on the space. Currently they are planning to open sometime in early April. The new store will feature a wide variety of romance books and accessories. Additionally, they tell me they are also planning a "unique and custom book bar" but want to keep that as a surprise for the opening.

A cafe with comfy seating will also be part of the business serving coffee, teas, baked goods and some breakfast style sandwiches. They also plan to host numerous events and clubs for romance lovers at the business once open.

For more information on It's a Love Story, visit their website at https://www.lovestorybooksandcafe.com/ or follow them on social media via Facebook / Instagram or TikTok

Meridian Construction & Development celebrates completion of new Circle K in Post Falls

 Something is afoot in Post Falls as Spokane based Meridian Construction & Development has announced the recent successful completion of the new Circle K convenience store in Post Falls. The state-of-the-art facility spans 5200 SF and is located at 70 N. Beck Rd within the Pointe at Post Falls development area.

Courtesy photos by Meridian Construction & Development

The new store boasts various premium features, including five island fueling stations equipped with 24-hour gas pumps and high-speed diesel options, complimented by a 24-hour high pressure car wash. Inside, customers will find an extensive soda station featuring "polar pop" and "froster slush" drinks alongside a wide selection of freshly roasted coffee, with beans from Kwanda Coffee.

The facility also offers a walk-in beer cave and an expansive hot food station. The Tuscon,AZ based Circle K chain continues to expand their presence in the Spokane-Coeur d' Alene area, now operating seven stores locally. The company also plans to introduce up to five more stores in our area over the next two years. This was the second Circle K project completed by Meridian following the prior completion of a location on US 2 in Spokane.

For more information on Circle K, visit their website at http://www.circlek.com

For more information on Meridian Construction & Development, visit their website at http://www.meridianco.com

The Spokane Alpine Haus planning new location on Northwest Blvd.

 With over 40 years in business most anyone in the Spokane area has heard of a business called The Spokane Alpine Haus. The ski and snowboard shop operates in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood at 2925 S. Regal and offers a number of brands of skis, snowboards for sale and rent, in addition to tuning and a selection of accessories. But soon the locally owned and operated business will be expanding with a new second location planned in Northwest Spokane.

After some remodeling Alpine Haus is planning to open in the former Chase Bank building at 2215 W. Northwest Blvd. Garco Construction is listed as the general contractor for the building's change of use, Alpine Haus will occupy the entire structure with 2167 SF listed as being used for a sales area according to building permit data.

They tell me the store will sell mostly the same merchandise as the store on Regal. Currently, Alpine Haus plans to open the new store on Northwest Blvd. sometime during the fall of 2024, just in time for next winter. 

For more information on Spokane Alpine Haus, visit their website at http://www.thespokanealpinehaus.com

Karma Express coming soon on Boone nearby Gonzaga

 A new quick service Indian cuisine option is coming soon to Spokane, just steps away from the Gonzaga campus. The new place will be called Karma Express and is to be new restaurant from same local owners as Karma Indian Cuisine, that opened in late 2022 on N. Monroe St.. 

Staff photo from the opening of their other restaurant, Karma Indian Cuisine, still operating at 2606 N. Monroe St.

Karma Express will occupy the space last occupied by another restaurant called Tasty Bun at 829 E. Boone Suite C, by the corner of Boone and Hamiliton. Work is already under way for the new restaurant which is currently set to open sometime in April. The menu is also still a work in progress but i'm told the foods will be different from their other restaurants with infusion food, street food and more all planned.

Courtesy photo of the new Karma Express location

Beer and wine will be available in the new restaurant as well. A small indoor dining area will also be offered, in addition to take away and ordering via the standard delivery apps like DoorDash and UberEats. The same couple also operates restaurants under the India House name with that business currently operating locations in Wenatchee, Post Falls and on the South Hill of Spokane. 

As of my writing this, there is no website or social media pages set up for Karma Express, so please follow the Inland Northwest Business Watch pages for more information as I will make every effort to share more info / re-post from their pages when able.

Large new 52,000 SF indoor pickleball club planned in Spokane Valley

 Similar to what's happening all over the country, pickleball is taking over the Spokane area. And a new recently announced pickleball venue coming soon to Spokane Valley will be the Spokane metro area's first large scale club.

That venue, to be called, Power Pickleball Club is planned to come to the Spokane Valley Commons building at 2818 N. Sullivan, about a mile north of I-90 near the Spokane Business & Industrial Park. The club is planned to operate a 52,000 square foot facility there that will feature a total of 16 pickleball courts, 11 of those being cushioned indoor courts and an additional 5 located outdoors. Private courts and party spaces will also be available, and the club will feature the regions first adaptive/wheelchair-sized court measuring 74' by 44' .

The new facility will feature other amenities as well, with "warmup, training & recovery" spaces, including having an on-site trainer. An on-site kitchen will also offer snacks, handhelds, beverages (likely including beer & wine) and open space to eat & relax.  “Our vision is to provide a welcoming space for everyone from beginners to seasoned players. I’ve been consumed by this dream for a long time and cannot wait to share it with the community,” said Jeremy Rosenvall the founder of the new business. 

Locally based Selkirk Sport, a worldwide leader in pickleball paddle technology was also recently announced as a platinum sponsor of the new venue. They note the collaboration between Power and Selkirk Sport underscores the club's commitment to providing top notch equipment and facilities as the Selkirk Semi-Permanent Pro Pickleball Nets will outfit all 11 indoor courts.

A comprehensive pro shop featuring Selkirk and other products will be available in the Power Pickleball Club's facility. For those new to pickleball or wanting to up their skills will also find routine clinics and camps for all levels. Currently the new club is planned to open sometime during the Summer of 2024, with presales now underway as of today. 

For more information on the Power Pickleball Club, including info on how to sign up for the membership presale please visit their website at https://powerpbc.com or follow them on social media via Facebook / Instagram / YouTube or TikTok

Cascadia Pizza Co. planning locations in Rathdrum and Coeur d' Alene

 If you've attended any number of events and farmers markets around North Idaho in recent months you might have noticed the Cascadia Pizza Co. food trailer out and about. That red trailer is actually the first step in introducing the area to their business, which, thanks to the company's first ever franchise agreement, is coming soon to two locations within Kootenai County. 

The small Western Washington based chain of wood fired pizza restaurants is currently working on two local brick and mortar stores. These will be the fifth and sixth stores for the chain and their first outside of Western Washington. The new locations will include one in a new construction building opening later this year at 8083 W. Main in Rathdrum and one in the former Firehouse Subs space at 1422 W. Appleway, just north of I-90 in Coeur d' Alene. The Coeur d' Alene is location is currently projected to open in April.

Both locations will offer indoor dining, take away and delivery. The menu of Cascadia Pizza Co. consists of many pizza options all 100% wood fired and Neapolitan inspired. Beer will also be available on tap at the new restaurants.

For more information on Cascadia Pizza Co. , including a look at their menu, visit their website at http://cascadiapizzaco.com