Send all business inquires & press releases to matt.behringer@inlandnwbusiness.com

Thursday, April 27, 2017

New Spokane Valley Big 5 Sporting Goods store opens on Broadway

The California based Big 5 Sporting Goods chain has increased it's Spokane area presence with last week's new store opening in Spokane Valley. This new store can be found at 15735 E. Broadway suite D and is the chain's second location within the city of Spokane Valley.

The new store is Big 5's 433rd location and it's third in the Spokane Metro ( another location is also out in Coeur d' Alene ) . This new Big 5 store occupies around 13,500 square feet of space in a small strip mall located in front of the Spokane Valley Wal-Mart. The company invested about $250,000 in remodeling the space that last held Hancock Fabrics and Downeast Basics retail stores.

The new location means several new local jobs although we don't have the exact numbers available to us. Nationally Big 5 Sporting Good employs almost 10,000. The chain is a publicly traded company ( Nastaq:BGFV ) and one of what seems to be shrinking number of retail type businesses that are actually growing both physically and financially.

For more information on Big 5 Sporting Goods, visit-

http://www.big5sportinggoods.com

And, find the new Broadway Big 5 location on Facebook at-

http://www.facebook.com/big-5-sporting-goods-1287324571354839

* The new store will also be hosting a grand opening celebration sale starting today ( 4/27 ) and running through Saturday...

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

New North Spokane Costco construction to start very soon

Plans have been in motion since late 2015 to re-build and relocate the North Spokane Costco store. The plan is to move the big box store from it's current site at 7619 N. Division ( within the City of Spokane ) to a vacant lot at 12020 N. Newport Hwy ( in Spokane County ) . But, the project has been slow to take off between the tax issue ( city vs. county ) and the site's proximity to the now contaminated Kaiser Aluminum Mead campus.

But, we're now learning that this new Costco is about the start construction as the Issaquah based warehouse retailer has now applied for their building permits to construct both the new store and adjacent fuel center. Currently the permit is " under review " and will likely be issued very soon. Because this article is based on the county's building permit filings we don't have any news today from Costco about when the new store will open but we have an indication of that too....

That's because the current Costco has gone up for sale, and in that building's marketing materials it mentions that the sale is contingent on the new location opening, which it says will happen in the fall of this year.

Also, interesting about the current Costco being listed as "for sale" is the fact that there was a rumor that Fred Meyer was planning a store there. With this sale listing it appears Fred Meyer will not be moving in there, at least not right away.

We'll post more about the new Costco as we get it, but here is what we know now-

-To built along N. Newport Hwy, north of the Newport / Nevada intersection.

-Lydig Construction is listed as the general contractor.

-167,317 square foot store

- Over 30,000 square feet larger then the N. Division store

- Fuel center will also be larger then the N. Division store, permit is listed as over 10,000 square feet.


Keep watching this site for more....

Monday, April 24, 2017

Construction starts for new Post Falls Popeye's Lousiana Kitchen

WWe all have been waiting and watching the empty lot at 767 Neufield Ln in Post Falls (along Hwy 41). Why? Because last year it was announced that the Inland Northwest's first Popeyes Chicken location would be built there. Granted the  original announcement had Popeyes opening date before the end of 2016 but delays are nothing new in the construction/ real estate world.

And, first of all please accept my apology for not having an update on this, that is until now...

Yes, construction crews began site work today for the new Post Falls Popeyes. Further backing it up is the Baker Construction & Development sign sitting near the site entrance. The Popeyes project has been on the Baker Construction "current construction" page for some time now.

Now we don't have the opening date yet but we're told a while ago that construction should take 3 or 4 months. Not sure if that includes the site work time but I'd expect now an early Summer opening.

As far as Popeyes planned location in Spokane, yes it is still planned. However due to my work days I haven't went up there it yet so watch for a separate post about that location which is planned at the corner of N. Division and Lyons by the Sportsman's Warehouse store. And, for more information about the plans for the Post Falls Popeyes Chicken location check out this prior INBW post-

http://www.inlandnwbusiness.com/2016/10/more-details-on-popeyes-louisana.html

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Newly released documents show possible plans for the Wonder Bread Building...

The former Hostess / Wonder Bread factory building ( 821 W. Mallon, Mallon & Post ) near Spokane Arena is one of the keys to future development in Downtown Spokane. The historic brick building has sat vacant since 2000 with thousands of square feet of space just screaming for new life. It's just steps away from the Spokane Arena and the north side of Riverfront Park, it's among the primest of the prime real estate in the Lilac City

Last fall some hope came forward with an 11th hour sale just before the building was to be foreclosed on. The building owners are now Wonder Spokane,LLC with no specific names to be found and just a listed address of what appears to be a financial firm in Denver. For the longest time they have been tight lipped on what they are planning only indicating they do plan to do something with the space.

But for a recent pre-development conference with the City of Spokane, Wonder Spokane,LLC presented a series of documents detailing example plans for the building designed by Wolfe Architectural Group of Spokane. There is still no timeline for construction / opening , but we now know they intend to have commercial uses and no residential component shown. The plan also includes-

- A new parking garage with entry from the north off of Mallon in-between the existing ( and not included ) David's Pizza building and the corner of Lincoln. This area today is also used for parking but is just a surface lot used mostly just during events at Spokane Arena. The garage will also have some limited retail space on the ground floor.

- The main structure stays mostly as is with a new more modern looking addition of a third story on the west end and a second and third story to the east.

- The first floor includes space set aside for an up to 11,045 square foot " artisan food market "

- Most of the rest of the space is shown being divided into " commercial lease space " , likely assuming first floor retail or restaurant and office space elsewhere. These spaces include 19,000+ square feet on floor 1, 15,000+ square feet on floor 2 and 3,000+ square feet on floor 3 .

- A large section of level 3 is set aside as " assembly " space, likely meaning an event center or possibly a restaurant. This space is almost 5,000 square feet with a large 1,000+ square foot outdoor terrace attached.

Out of respect for the developer we won't run any screenshots of the plans or renderings ( unless they contact me with some, hint hint... ) . But it does appear a lot of thought has been put into this and if built this project would spur a new future not just for this building but much of the neighborhood south of Spokane Arena. Perhaps we may even see an Inland Northwest Business Watch office in this building some day!

Other then your favorite local blogger occupying office space, what else do you hope to see open for business one day in the Wonder Bread building? I know I for one am very excited about the possibilities of the " artisan food market " space. Let us know you thoughts via Facebook, in the comments to this story on http://www.facebook.com/inlandnorthwestbusinesswatch

Cascadia Public House coming to NW Spokane

I've briefly mentioned on this site before that the former home of TonicX and Ash St. Tacos won't be sitting vacant for long after the past restaurants closed. TonicX and Ash St. Tacos vacated the building ( 6314 N. Ash, near Francis ) only a few weeks ago and work is already well under way from new owners for an exciting all new place called Cascadia Public House.

Cascadia Public House will be a locally owned and operated full service bar / restaurant that aims to open for business sometime in May. They'll offer a full bar with about 10 beer taps and a food menu of about of about 25 to 30 items featuring fresh Northwest ( Cascadian ) fare. They plan to work hand in hand with several farms in the region. In addition they'll also have mostly local beers and will be getting their bread and buns from a local bakery.

The new owners are revamping the space from top to bottom and promise to have some "really awesome custom features " .  They'll also have two custom built fire pits situated on the planned patio helping make them as they say " the perfect place to hangout and spend your summer nights by the fire "

Of course we'll have to get to summer first :)

For more information on Cascadia Public House check out their developing website at-

http://www.cascadiapublichouse.com  or find them on Facebook or Instagram.

Region's first Wal-Mart branded gas station opens in Post Falls

It's far from a new idea to have a big box retailer offer a gas station in their parking lot, but with the exception of some site's that the chain leased out to other operators, Wal-Mart has not dabbled in this field. That is until now, as just a couple of years ago the Arkansas based mega chain announced plans open Wal-Mart branded gas stations with a somewhat aggressive expansion plan for the concept.

And, now the first of these new Wal-Mart gas station's in our area is now open for business on a out lot of the Wal-Mart store at 3050 W. Mullan Ave. in Post Falls. Some may actually remember a gas station once existed not far from this new one under one the above mentioned lease agreements. That gas station however has now been closed for several years and a Burger King restaurant has since replaced it.

For the time being this new Post Falls Wal-Mart gas station will be the only one in the Spokane / Coeur d' Alene area , although we expect more to come, none have actually been confirmed. The new fuel center's promise affordable gas and a small store packed with many essential items. The convenience store at the Post Falls location is about 1440 square feet and has a selection of snacks, sodas , gift card / cell phone minute cards, beer and F'Real milkshakes.

The new gas station opening means the creation of about 8 new jobs and it will be open daily from 5am - 11pm.

Wednesday, April 19, 2017

One Tree Hard Cider planning new tasting room in Downtown Spokane

At one time One Tree Hard Cider was planning to open a cider house tasting room in Kendall Yards. One Tree has since backed out of that plan and announced last week their intension to open their first tasting room outside of their production facility in an up and coming section of Downtown Spokane.

One Tree Hard Cider has leased an approx. 1600 square feet of storefront space at 111 S. Madison in the New Madison Hotel building. The space will be fully remodeled and should open sometime in June, joining several breweries, wineries and cider producers who already have set up shop in the city center. After the new location opens they will shut down their tasting room space at their production facility in Spokane Valley to make room for new production space.

Until then that tasting room will be open, it can be found at 9514 E. Montgomery Ave. Suite 25. One Tree Hard Cider is a fast growing hard cider producer with several flavors like huckleberry , lemon basil and more sold primarily in bottles from a number of grocery stores and specialty stores in Washington, Idaho, Montana and Illinois . The new Downtown cider house will also be able to do growler fills.

For more information on One Tree Hard Cider, visit-

http://www.onetreehardcider.com

One Tree has also set up a Facebook page for the new Downtown Cider House, to keep up on the progress of their opening, check-

http://www.facebook.com/onetreeciderhouse

Some chain restaurants close local locations + other news

While there is more restaurant's opening in Spokane then closing right now, there are still sadly a few closing down. Here is what's happening-

Quizno's closes in Airway Heights

At one time Quizno's Subs had several locations all over the Spokane / Coeur d' Alene area. But, all that remains is the location inside Spokane International Airport after the Airway Heights location has now gone out of business. That location was at 10408 W. US Hwy 2, near Wal-Mart , no mention of why this location closed.

Costa Vida " moves " it's Lincoln Heights location

Costa Vida has closed down their location at the Lincoln Heights shopping center at 2915 E. 29th. Costa Vida however claims they actually just moved this location to their new location in Spokane Valley. The new Valley Costa Vida will be at 10 N. Sullivan, in the same plaza as Petco by Sprague & Sullivan.

Costa Vida also recently opened a new location in North Spokane at 9412 N. Newport Hwy.

Reports say Papa John's has closed on the South Hill

We're hearing the Papa John's location at 2926 S. Regal has been abruptly shut down. No word on the reason or if they plan to re-open at some point.

All other Spokane area Papa John's Pizza locations are still open for business, including their newly opened location at 180 W. Hayden Ave. in Hayden.

But...

Don't worry about the Spokane area loosing restaurants as in addition to the new restaurants mentioned in our post last week we're learning of a few more. Looks like Thai Bamboo will be building an all new location on the South Hill to replace an older smaller location, Pizza Pipeline is moving one of their locations in North Spokane and Dutch Bros. says they are opening another new location with our info pointing towards another Spokane Valley location.

Also, keep an eye on this site as I have some more info on Cascadia Public House and hope to have info on a new coffee shop now open in the Northtown Office Building soon.

Tips welcome...

We always welcome your tips on all new and closing local business. Contact me anytime at inlandbusiness@yahoo.com

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

New Starbucks now open at Ruby & Sharp

Spokane's newest Starbucks location is now open for business ( yes, another one... ) . The new location has a prime location just a short distance off of the Gonzaga University campus. It can be found at 1310 N. Ruby at the corner of Ruby & Sharp and was formerly a Taco Time restaurant.

The building has been completely remodeled since the building's days as a fast food restaurant. The building now touts a more modern gray and silver exterior with both indoor dining and a drive thru. The location is roughly 2200 square feet with upgrades done to most every part of structure. The project was valued at $400,000 with Starbucks leasing the building from Wadsworth Development Group who also owns the still open Spokane area Taco Time restaurants. They also currently have their Taco Time location on Third Ave. Downtown up for sale.

The location of this new Starbucks is prime for Gonzaga students and commuters on Ruby / Division. Because of the location, this Starbucks has longer hours then most others in Spokane with it being open Mon-Fri 4:30a - 10p and Sat & Sun 5a-9p . Everything on the typical Starbucks menu is available here, including their newest drink the Unicorn Frappuccino which launches tomorrow. Mobile ordering is available via the Starbucks app as are some retail coffee sales.

More information on Starbucks can be found on-

http://www.starbucks.com

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Cheney Federal Credit Union to open second location near I-90

One of the Inland Northwest's smaller more hometown driven financial institutions is on track to expand their presence with a the recent announcement of a new branch location on the West Plains. Cheney Federal Credit Union has purchase land and will begin construction on a branch location at 10611 W. Westbow Rd, across the road from the Petro Truck Stop and just a quick jaunt southeast of I-90 at the Medical Lake exit.

The new location will position CFCU in a area that has seen significant growth in recent years and more convenient to members and prospective members living to the north of main location on W. 1st Ave in Downtown Cheney.

The new Westbow Rd. CFCU branch location will be built out by Baker Construction & Development of Spokane with a projected opening date being set for sometime this fall. The new branch will be 2735 square feet and employ about 12. It will also boast 3 drive up teller lanes and two 24 hour ATM's .

Cheney Federal Credit Union today has over 5000 members and $94 millon dollars in total assets. Membership in the credit union is available to all who live , work, worship or attend school in the Cheney or Medical Lake School Districts. For more information on CFCU, visit their website at-

http://www.cheneyfcu.com

Garland Animal Clinic opens in new larger former Garland Liquor Store building

After about six months of construction the Garland Animal Clinic has relocated to former site of the Liquor Store in the Garland District and is now officially open for business. The veterinary clinic had been located at 623 W. Garland, and while the location isn't far away from their old clinic it is significantly larger.

At 6500 square feet their new home is almost 3 times the size of their former clinic. In addition to the extra floor space they also now have 2 more exam rooms for more prompt service. It also fills the void of the formerly vacant liquor store space just to the west of the landmark Garland Theater.

Garland Animal Clinic has 5 experienced veterinarians who provide quality care to most any pet. They are also a full service veterinary clinic with comprehensive medical , surgical and dental care all under one roof and open six days a week.

For more information on the Garland Animal Clinic , visit their website at-

http://www.garlandanimalclinic.com


Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Maryhill Winery to be first tenant of Bluff Building at Kendall Yards


Construction has started on the " Bluff Building " in-between Spa Paradiso and Nectar Beer & Wine in Kendall Yards ( 1323 W. Summit Blvd. ) . But, up until now we we're told there would be more then one tenant but no names we're ever released.

We now know the popular Maryhill Winery of Goldendale,WA will open a satellite tasting room in the building. The winery will occupy a 5000 square foot space with a 180 degree view of the Spokane River and Downtown Spokane in addition to a outdoor balcony area. They plan to have occasional live music, a wine club and periodic private and public events.

Maryhill Winery is one of Washington's largest wineries producing some 80,000 cases a year from their winery that sits on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River. Their Goldendale facility draws 75,000 wine enthusiasts each year to it's tasting room and adjacent 4,000 seat outdoor amphitheater. Maryhill Winery is owned by Craig & Vicki Leuthold who are both natives of Spokane and they have driven Maryhill to win over 3000 awards since it's first vintage in 2001.

This will be the second winery to set up shop in Kendall Yards and the Bluff Building is one of several active construction sites that dot the up and coming urban village. Maryhill Winery's Kendall Yards tasting room will open sometime this fall.

For more information on Maryhill Winery, visit their website at-

http://www.maryhillwinery.com

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

New restaurants we're following...

We're tracking 2 new restaurants in Spokane that we're just now learning about. In the coming days we'll tracking down information on each...

A new restaurant for the Shari's building on N. Monroe -

At one time the now abandoned Shari's Restaurant on N. Monroe was to be demolished for a new Burger King. That plan was shelved because of the city's rules barring drive thru's in pedestrian friendly neighborhoods like North Monroe.

But, it looks like a couple months after giving up on that redevelopment we'll still have something occupying the building at 1819 N. Monroe. This as a sign permit has been filed for at the same location for 2 signs bearing the name Monroe Street Grill.

A new restaurant at the former Anthony's Beach Cafe location on S. Regal-

Some work is being done inside the site that was Anthony's Beach Cafe in the Regal Plaza development on the South Hill. It appears it will be a local place possibly called Palouse Bar & Grill as that is the name they used on the state liquor license application.

Also...

I know everyone wants to know but as of today there has been no updates about when Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen will open their planned locations in North Spokane and Post Falls.

While not a restaurant One Tree Hard Cider announced today that they will be opening a cider house in Downtown Spokane at 111 S. Madison.

Shamus's Sandwich Shop with 2 shops in the Valley has announced they are planning a Airway Heights location. The address matches the now closed Buckhorn Inn but they just say to stay tuned as it's early in the opening process.

The building that housed the recently closed TonicX and Ash St. Tacos is becoming a place called Cascadia Public House.

An commercial pre-application was filed with the City of Spokane Valley for a new, un-named restaurant at 9331 E Montgomery.

And, even more... keep watching...

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Window Dressing & Terrain hosting a pop up shop in Steam Plant Square

Tomorrow night ( Friday, April 7th ) during Downtown Spokane's First Friday event will be the opening day of a new pop up retail shop. The shop is venture of Terrain and their sister program Window Dressing, who already are active in boosting the local art scene.

Window Dressing's pop up shop will open on Friday but will stick around for a while, although we have not heard back about how long the shop will be in business. The store will provide a sales space for numerous local makers, crafters and creative entrepreneurs. The list of businesses participating is long but includes such names as Black Sheep Paper, Sailor Girl Soap & Supplies , Spokane Doesn't Suck and several more.

The Pop Up shop will be in one of the storefronts at Steam Plant Square at 159 S. Lincoln in Downtown Spokane. There it will join a collection of other local shops and boutiques like French Toast, Paper Nerd Stationary & Candy Bar and While Lavender.

The grand opening of the Window Dressing pop up shop will be from 5-8pm . Twin Towers will be performing and they will have beer provided but another neighbor , Steam Plant Brewing Co. . The event will be a definite must visit during the already awesome First Friday event with art , live music , food and more at almost 50 venues dotted around Downtown Spokane and Kendall Yards.

For more information on all that Window Dressing does for Spokane, check their website at-

http://www.windowdressing.co

And, for more information on Terrain, visit their website at-

http://www.terrainspokane.com

Monday, April 3, 2017

Chronic Tacos opening a location in Downtown Spokane

Chronic Tacos Mexican Grill may not be the largest chain of fast casual Mexican restaurants , but they are growing and fast. And, now the Southern California based company as it's expansion sights set on Spokane where they have entered a lease to open a new restaurant right in the heart of Downtown Spokane.

Chronic Tacos is to open in the last open ground floor space of the Bennett Block building at the corner of Main & Howard. It will open in a 2000 square foot storefront sandwiched in-between Rocky Rococo Pizza and the newly open Carhartt Outlet Store. The restaurant at this point in time is still a few months away from opening as a full remodel will be done to the space.


The chain has just 37 locations, mostly in the US but they have started to branch out into Canada. Their menu is made up tacos, burritos, " bowl-ritos " and more made fresh using third generation recipes. Chronic Taco's restaurants are laid back places using the motto of the " taco life " .

Catering services will also be available upon request and some menu items are available vegetarian and / or gluten free, please contact the restaurant directly for more info.

For more information on Chronic Taco, including a look at their menu, check out-

http://www.chronictacos.com


Schweitzer Engineering to move Spokane office to old ITT Tech building

It was a bit of a dark day in Sept. 2016 when ITT Tech closed their doors nationwide with many students still enrolled. But time is moving on and for the Spokane area's only ITT Tech campus building it looks like life will come back to it soon. An exciting Pullman based company, with an office already in Spokane Valley, will move in potentially even creating more local jobs for Spokane.

Schweitzer Engineering has purchased the 28,000 square foot single story building at 13518 E. Indiana Ave. and will remodel it to open their local office there. Schweitzer will move there from a much smaller office space in the Spokane Business & Industrial Park. While Schweitzer Engineering employs thousands company-wide, currently only about 60 are based out of the Spokane Valley office. But with this new office space the company will have room to expand, allowing Schweitzer to more then double the Spokane based workforce as sales allow.

Schweitzer Engineering or SEL as it also called designs, manufactures and supports products and services for electrical generator / transmission protection and distribution automation / control systems. They are an employee owned company with their customers coming from a wide range of industries and geographic locations.

The company plans to be operating out of the former ITT Tech building by sometime this fall. for more information on Schweitzer Engineering, visit their website at-

http://www.selinc.com