Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce business award winners announced.

 The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce announced the winners of the 2023 Business Awards yesterday at the CenterPlace Regional Event Center. " The awards celebrate the exceptional achievements of local businesses that have made a significant impact on the Spokane Valley community."

The winners we're selected by an independent judging committee, with one small business and one large business selected for each category. And the winners we're:

Business Innovation- Spokane Valley Performing Arts Center

                                 Western States Equipment Company

Creating Inspiring Workplaces- Roller Valley

                                                   Spokane Indians Baseball Club

Community Stewardship- Valleyfest 

                                          BECU

"We are honored to recognize and celebrate these local businesses that have positively impacted our community"  Lance Beck, President, and CEO of the Chamber said. " They continue to inspire the members of the community and reflect the values of the Valley"

The Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization. For more information on all they do for the Spokane Valley business community, please visit http://spokanevalleychamber.org

Kootenai County Farmers Market Wednesday evening market to relocate to Riverstone

 The Kootenai County Farmers Market Wednesday evening market will now be held on Main Street in Riverstone, starting with the 2023 season. Located at 2151 N. Main St. this is the original Kootenai County Farmers Market, established in 1986 as a producer only market to "foster direct interactions between local growers, artisans and consumers"

The first market of the 2023 season will be held on May 17th from 4p-7p and will continue each week throughout the Summer. They say the market will continue to have the same vendors as before plus several new ones. The new site also will offer an abundance of free parking and is only a short drive / bike ride north of Downtown Coeur d' Alene, where the market had previously been held.

The market will also continue to serve the community at the Prairie Ave site (corner of Prairie & US 95) on the north side of Coeur d' Alene on Saturdays between 9am-1:30pm .

For more information on the Kootenai County Farmers Market, visit their website at http://kootenaifarmersmarkets.org

Numerica Credit Union to build new Five Mile branch

 A new, full service Numerica Credit Union branch is coming soon to the Five Mile area of Spokane at 6281 N. Maple. The groundbreaking will be held at the site today for the new construction, which will replace the current branch at 1916 W. Francis within the Five Mile Shopping Center.

The new N. Maple St. Numerica branch is slated to open in the winter of 2023. "This branch reflects our continued investment in the well-being of the Five Mile community" said Carla Cicero, Numerica president and CEO. The new branch will include a drive-thru ATM and modern design in a 3200 SF stand-alone building. Leone & Keeble will be the general contractor for the new building and architectural work was done by Bernardo Wills.

Headquartered in Spokane Valley, Numerica has more than 170,000 members throughout Eastern Washington, Central Washington and North Idaho. The credit union has 21 branches and more than $3.8 billion in assets. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, or worships in the State of Washington or North Idaho.

For more info, check http://numericacu.com

Food trucks start opening at Post Falls Pavilion

 Nearly a year after it was once planned to open, food trucks are now beginning to open in the new Post Falls Pavilion food truck court located at 3758 E. Horsehaven . Currently the pavilion is in "soft opening" mode with only a few options open, but some others are actively setting up and even more have yet to move in but will in the near future. An official grand opening will be held at the site in the coming months. 

The development consists of two rows of food trucks on either side of a building that also houses a few other new eateries, with restrooms and indoor dining planned. A newly opened Jitterz Coffee drive up stand is also on the site, along the front of the lot next to Horsehaven Ave.

The new development is located on Post Falls' northeast side, approximately a quarter mile west of Hwy 41 and directly next door to The Courts at Real Life, an athletic facility connected with the Real Life Ministries Church. This new food truck project is a sister site of sorts to the Prairie Pavilion food truck court that has operated for a few years now at the corner of Prairie and Heartland in Hayden.

Recently the owner of Post Falls Pavilion shared via social media all the new dining options that will be coming soon to the project. They include-

Sugar Fix (Cookies, Dirty sodas,etc.,already open)

The Local Cone

Bobalicious by Jitterz

Benzo Box / Benzo Box Too

Grasso's Fine Foods

Puzo's Pelmini

Piumarta's Family Kitchen (Italian menu, already open)

Zach's Smoke Shack

Friendly Island Grill

The North Spork

The Fixx

Las Brasas (Mexican menu, already open)

Taco Works

Epicurean Appetite

Carnival Eats

Jitterz Espresso

Several of the food trucks are new businesses, like Grasso's Fine Foods who will bring a menu of delicious sounding sandwiches. Others are trucks that have already opened elsewhere but are relocating to the new Post Falls site, like The Fixx who's been serving some amazing looking burgers at a couple of venues recently. Additionally, Las Brasas and Taco Works are established businesses that will have new locations within the new development.

To keep track of the new openings and events at Post Falls Pavilion, follow them on social media at Facebook or Instagram

The Arc of Spokane planning new thrift store in Spokane Valley

 The Arc of Spokane, a nonprofit that provides support and services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is planning to add a new second location of their thrift store operations. The nonprofit has operated a popular thrift store inside a former big box store, at 808 N. Ruby, just north of Downtown for several years. But they are now hoping to replicate that success with a new store coming soon to Spokane Valley.

The future location of The Arc of Spokane's new Spokane Valley store.

The Arc of Spokane recently leased a 15,000 SF space at 1441 N. Argonne Rd Suite A, adjacent to Altitude Trampoline Park in the Argonne Mission center for that new store. SVN Cornerstone Designated Broker Guy D. Byrd represented The Arc in the space's lease transaction, and Bryan Walker of Black Commerical, Inc. represented the landlord.

The N. Argonne location was chosen for its ideal central location and size. The Arc's thrift operations help sustain and further the primary mission of The Arc, which is to serve and advocate for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families in the greater Spokane area. The Arc of Spokane is a chapter of the Arc of Washington and The Arc of the United States. 

No opening date is indicated just yet for the new Spokane Valley thrift store location, however mechanical permits have been pulled to renovate the space and when we stopped by late last week, workers we're obviously hard at work going in and out the space.

For more information on The Arc of Spokane, including their existing store, visit their website at http://www.arc-spokane.org

Lion's Lair relocating to a new space nearby Spokane Arena

 Big changes are coming to one of Downtown Spokane's more popular bars & restaurants. 

The Lion's Lair has spent a few years at 205 W. Riverside, by the corner of Browne & Riverside, but we're hearing new plans are likely in store for that building causing Lion's Lair to relocate in the coming weeks.

Lion's Lair will soon move to the building at 230 W. Boone, north of Downtown and just a couple blocks east of the Spokane Arena. The building there was last used a gym but has been sitting vacant for the last few months. Lion's Lair will open in the space in the coming months with the new place said to be going by the name ICON. The original bar / club / restaurant space will take the front section and a new event center will occupy the back section of the 4800 SF building. 

There appears to be no opening date set just yet, nor is there a last day for their present location in Downtown Spokane. However, to keep track of their progress check out their newly created page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/diamsden

Rex & Relax indoor dog park with beer & wine coming soon on Division

 It's a trend that's proved wildly successful in cities around the country, a business that's part indoor dog park and part bar for their human owners. And now it's coming to the Spokane area with the recent announcement of Rex & Relax, planned to open in the coming months at 1711 N. Division.

Rex & Relax is a locally owned and operated business that will open within a currently vacant former bike shop. The owners tell us they hope to open for business in the early summer, but no date has been set yet as the building will need to some renovations first, but one good sign is they have already applied for a liquor license at the site.

They plan to have a "snack bar" type set up with canned sodas, beers and wines and limited food offerings of pre-packaged snacks. They tell me they are working with many other dog parks in other states to get the best "tips and tricks" in creating Rex & Relax. They also will not have a separated small dog area at the time of opening due to extra work being needed in that section of the building but are listening to recommendations and may add that and maybe more features in the future.

The owners say via email that "the main reason we are opening this dog park is to really create an extraordinary experience for our beloved dogs". We plan to keep an eye on their progress but for even more info check them out on social media Facebook or Instagram

New apartment building to rise on highly visible site along I-90 near Pines

 Here at Inland Northwest Business Watch we don't cover every multi-family construction project in the area. There simply are too many as there is always at least a handful under construction, which is great as they are needed. But we do take note of apartment projects with commercial components, buildings where the use is being changed and in the case of this article a project in a unique location that will probably have more than a few people asking " Hey, I wonder what's going in there? "

Site work commenced just a couple of weeks ago at 12608 E. Nora in Spokane Valley for a new yet to be named apartment building. In this area E. Nora is a frontage road that faces I-90 from Pines Rd east to where it meets Mamer Rd. adjacent to the Evergreen Commerce Park. This means the site can be seen directly by thousands of commuters daily but will also offer easy access for the future tenants to get to work, school, etc.

Vertical construction is to start at the site this spring after site work is completed. Developer Skyline Homes,LLC plans the building to be a 4-story building with 32 units that will be a mix of 1- and 2-bedroom units. The new apartments will be ready for occupancy in early 2024, permits show the project is valued at $5 million and Skyline Homes will also act as the general contractor with architectural work being done by Mercier Architecture & Planning.

Ellie Mental Health opening new outpatient behavioral health clinic in Coeur d' Alene

 Ellie Mental Health is an emerging national franchise that recently announced their plans to open a new outpatient behavioral health clinic in Coeur d'Alene. Ellie notes that Kootenai County is a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) and they are taking the approach of improving the care of mental health professionals to increase retention, as well as draw new professionals into the community to meet the need.

Ellie Mental Health says they are on a mission to change the culture of mental health by "fostering a clinician-first model, offering innovative services while breaking down barriers to improve access, and normalize mental health care". In a statement they say "Ellie stives to break the stigma of mental health with the goal that seeing a therapist will have the societal equiveillance of going to the dentist". The company has seen substantial national growth with over 300 clinics under contract, 50+ clinics that opened in 2022 and an additional 200 openings scheduled for 2023.

Local Ellie Mental Health owners, Jamie & Melissa Major of Post Falls say that the first North Idaho Ellie is projected to physically open in early April, within the new Cornerstone Building at Riverstone in Coeur d'Alene ( 1579 W. Riverstone Dr. #1100 ). Ellie Mental Health of North Idaho is actively seeking patients virtually and taking appointments, while construction is slated to be completed around the end of March for in-person sessions.

The local owners also announced the appointment of Julie Krapfl as clinical director "Julie's servant leadership approach to her staff and our community, coupled with her unwavering passion to provide high quality services represents an ideal fit with Ellie's model". Julie is a licensed clinical supervisor and marriage & family therapist with extensive clinical and leadership experience. Recruitment is also actively underway for therapists and clinicians, with a target of hiring 10+ licensed therapists in the coming months with several new hires already completed.

A public open house is scheduled for May 4th,2023 and additional Ellie Mental Health locations are planned for Idaho. For more information or to schedule an appointment call 208-435-0788 or visit them online at http://www.elliementalhealth.com

Dirt starts moving for future Idaho Central Spokane Valley Performing Arts Center

 An exciting project for the arts scene of the Inland Northwest has just become even more real. Workers recently kicked off site work for the future Idaho Central Spokane Valley Performing Arts Center, coming soon to Spokane Valley.

Planned to be constructed at the corner of Mansfield Ave. and Mamer, next door to the existing Tru by Hilton hotel. Once complete the 59,000 SF facility will house a 480+ seat main stage theater, 200 seat flexible studio theater, acting conservatory and event/meeting spaces. The center is a project of the Spokane Valley Summer Theater and will be used for their shows and plays with the first production planned to be in 2024. 

Until the performing arts center opens the Summer Theater continues to perform with three shows planned for the 2023 season and season tickets available. For a schedule and more information about the organization visit http://svsummertheatre.com . Donations are still being taken to complete the new performing arts center, with some naming opportunities still available, contact Georgia Oxford, capital campaign manager at georgia@icsvpac.com or 619-518-8523 to give.

For more in ICSVPAC, including renderings of the completed project are online at http://icsvpac.com 

Project update- CHAS health care training center

 Community Health Association of Spokane continues to expand and among other projects the group is in the progress of building an exciting new facility within the Iron Bridge Office Campus. As part of today's project update feature, we went by to take a look at just how far along this new facility is...

General contractor Divcon, Inc and subcontractors appear to have framing complete and outer walls up with spaces open for future windows and entry spaces. When we went by a few days ago, many people we're also obviously working on the interior spaces of the building. 

There isn't an opening date for this new building as of the present time, but we do know it will be used by CHAS as a health care training facility. Permit data shows the new structure is 91,715 SF building with three floors and a space set aside for a future cafe. The project cost according to the permit is slightly over $9 million with ALSC Architects acting as the architect.

An article about the building from our friends over at the Journal of Business reports the education portion of the building will support 200 students in apprenticeships. Planned is a number of medical training exam rooms, dental training operatories, full sterilization area and laboratory (that story- https://www.spokanejournal.com/local-news/chas-plans-new-health-care-training-center-at-iron-bridge/ ). 

CHAS also has a couple of other projects in the pipeline, which we will also be following. For more information on all of the clinics and services offices by CHAS visit their website at- http://chas.org

Work starting on new building for Latah Creek Animal Hospital

 Work has commenced for a new facility for Latah Creek Animal Hospital. The project is in preparation for the business's upcoming move into their own standalone facility, that's significantly larger than their current home. Although customers of Latah Creek won't have to go much further once the move is complete as the new building will be built across the street from the current leased location.

Rendering of the completed new building for Latah Creek Animal Hospital, top photo is what will face Cheney-Spokane Rd.

The new building will be built at 4302 S. Cheney-Spokane Rd. and is to be about 5000 SF, slightly more then double their current 2400 SF clinic. Elmer Construction is the general contractor for the project, which according to permit data is estimated to cost $1.4 million, architectural work is listed as being done by Architectural Ventures of Spokane.

They report the building is to be complete either late this year or early in 2024. For more information on Latah Creek Animal Hospital visit their website at http://latahcreekah.com

Floor & Decor to open in former North Spokane Lowe's

 Floor & Decor, an Atlanta based chain retailer of flooring has its sights set on Spokane. The company has been growing quickly of late adding new warehouse style stores across the country, with 166 locations open as of 2022 according to Wikipedia. The company's stores sell tile, wood, laminate and natural stone flooring products as well as decorative and installation accessories and already operates stores in Everett, Tukwila and Tacoma.

The chain recently filed for building permits to occupy about 55,000 Square feet on the eastern side of the formerly abandoned Lowe's store building at 6902 N. Division. The building has been vacant since Lowe's moved to a new larger store nearby in 2012. This project still leaves the western half of the building empty with no tenant mentioned, however having life back in the structure will surely assist in the leasing of the remaining space(s).

Permitting info shows the new Floor & Decor store would have a 40,877 SF sales floor area with the remaining space to be used as warehousing and office space for the new store. There is no indication about when the store might open or how many will be employed at the new Spokane Floor & Decor store just yet. The general contractor for the project is also currently to be determined, but the architectural design is listed as being completed by St. Louis based Architectural Design Guild.

Floor & Decor stores are open to both professionals and do it yourself customers. Additionally, the company also sells their flooring products online at http://www.flooranddecor.com

New Afghan Grocery Store opening on N. Monroe

 

The signage on 3004 N. Monroe still indicates the building is a defunct convenience store called Andy's. But inside the 4000 +/- square foot building is a new business catering to Spokane's Afghan and Middle Eastern community.

Afghani Grocery Store opened recently in the space and they do say banner signs are coming. The new store has a selection of grocery items in addition to Afghan clothing and household items. The store is open daily from 10a-8p and more information can be found by following them on Facebook at- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089473437975

Spokane Art School announces move to larger home in the University District

 The Spokane Art School has announced they plan to close their Garland District home to move to the a new space in the University District. They plan to celebrate a grand reopening during First Friday on March 3rd. The opening show in the school's new gallery space will be a Women's History Month invitational.

Located two blocks from the Catalyst Building the school's new home will be at 503 E. 2nd Ave, at the corner of Second and Sherman. The new space is three times larger than the old facility, has a dedicated parking lot and will allow for expanded class, gallery and event offerings with room to grow.

The new Spokane Art School at 503 E. 2nd.

"We searched for our new home for more than six months and couldn't be happier with the new space" said Tad Wisenor Spokane Art School board president.  Founded in 1968 the school has been located in the Garland District for the past 11 years but was located Downtown before. The new space will allow for up to four classes to be held concurrently in larger more comfortable spaces, and long-term plans include a ceramics classroom and private studio rentals for local artists.  

Juliet Sinisterra, University District CEO is also excited to welcome the Art School to the neighborhood. "We are thrilled that the Spokane Art School will be located within the district. Developing an innovative, culturally-rich district around education is central to our mission. The Art School will serve as a fantastic public destination for all ages"

The school's current home in the Garland District likely will be replaced also as the building sold a few months ago to a new owner. The Spokesman Review recently reported that the new owner is considering the demolishing the buildings at 809 & 811 E. Garland for a new building with retail & restaurant space. However, this is not set, and is getting to be older info so stay tuned for more on what might be in store for the Art School's former home.

For more information on Spokane Art School, visit their website at http://www.spokaneartschool.net

New Beard Papa's in Spokane Valley to hold grand opening Saturday, January 28th

 Beard Papa's, a world-famous cream puff chain, with a cult following is coming to the Spokane Valley. The "dessert destination" is set to officially open on Saturday, January 28th, 2023 at 10am.

Originally founded in Osaka, Japan in 1999, Beard Papa's started as a small bakery and quickly grew to more than 400 locations, in 15 countries and territories while gaining global recognition for their light and airy cream puffs. Guests are able to create their custom flaky confections by choosing between eight cream puff shells. Guests are then presented with a selection of airy cream custard filling flavors, with seasonal flavors often included.

"We are thrilled to bring Beard Papa's unforgettable cream puffs to Spokane" says Marc and Sawoko of Beard Papa's Spokane. The menu extends beyond just puff pastries with offering such as cheesecake, chocolate fondant, savory pastries, and an exclusive blended drink menu.

" The cream puffs are baked fresh on-site daily and are some of the largest cream puffs you will ever experience. The all-natural recipe is simply addicting. I've never met anyone that has tried Beard Papa's that doesn't crave it again in the days following" says Mark Nathan, marketing director for the franchise. The new Spokane Beard Papa's will be opening on Saturday, January 28th at 10am and is located at 4808 E. Sprague Ave. #204. Noteworthy, on the grand opening day the store will be having giveaways to the first 100 customers.

For more information on Beard Papa's, check out their website http://www.beardpapas.com

Spokane's Lunar New Year Celebration returns this Saturday.

 Spokane's United We Stand, a multi-cultural community organization is hosting Spokane's 2023 Lunar New Year Celebration this Saturday, January 28th at the Spokane Convention Center. Coeur d'Alene Casino is the presenting sponsor for the event.

This year's event will be in a bigger venue, the Spokane Convention Center starting at 1pm on Saturday. Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander cultural organizations will host artists, food samples and live cultural Proformance's throughout the day. The event will kick off with the Dragon Dance and culminating in the ever-popular Lion Dance and the night will be topped off with a fireworks display at 7:00pm to ring in the year of the Rabbit.

This year's celebration will feature over $20,000 in giveaways and door prizes throughout the day with more giveaways enclosed within the traditional red envelopes, including chances to win lift tickets, Spokane Indians Baseball tickets, Spokane Chiefs hockey tickets and gift cards to local restaurants and businesses. 

The first 500 attendees will receive a swag bag filled with goodies for the new year. The event is free for all ages.

For more information about the event, visit http://www.spokaneunitedwestand.org 

Construction underway for The Depot at Prairie Falls Golf Club in Post Falls

 Sometimes I get asked what to be watching for, and this is one of the more exciting projects in our area that I recommend keeping an eye on. Construction started late last year on a new 42,000 square foot commercial building, rising now at the Prairie Falls Golf Club on N. Spokane St in Post Falls.

The project nicknamed The Depot at Prairie Falls Golf Club is to be completed around May 2023 and is being led by course owners Rob & Emily Clark who purchased the property during the Summer of 2021 with this as a goal for the 18-hole 6,500+ yard golf course. The improvements will replace the former clubhouse but, that's not all that it will do as the new building will also include-

-A 17 suite hotel

-5200 Sq Foot event center

-New restaurant called Iron, Wood and Ice Urban Kitchen & Bar (also owned by the Clark's)

-Golf club and new pro shop

-Six golf simulators, two which will be multi-sport.

- Four commercial spaces that will house a River City Pizza location, new market called Prairie Falls Market and 2 more spaces that they are currently working to fill.

According to building permits filed with the City of Post Falls this new project is estimated to cost $4.5 million. J Rob Construction is the general contractor and Bernardo Wills listed as the architect on the project. We plan to keep an eye on this project, but more info is also available the Prarie Falls Golf Club website at https://www.prairiefallsgolfclub.com/

New Love Coffee planning to open two new locations soon

 New Love Coffee is a bit of a hidden gem in the Spokane area coffee scene. The Liberty Lake based specialty coffee roaster opened their first coffee shop on Valentine's Day 2022 at 21802 E. Indiana Ave. within the new NoLL development.

Since then, business has been good for New Love, with almost entirely positive online reviews. In fact, off the record I recommend check them out if your given the chance. But, with not even a year under their belt they are now planning two more coffee shops in the Spokane area. 

The first will be opening as early as next month in North Spokane with a location to in the same building as Canopy Credit Union at 1212 W. Francis. This New Love will feature their current coffee / espresso menu but will also have pastries from Bean & Pie, which is a local company that New Love Coffee owners Ike & Tiffany Bubna also recently acquired.

Sometime after the New Love Coffee opens on Francis, they will open a new location at Kendall Yards in the newer buildings on W. Summit Pkwy, steps away from N. Monroe. That location will also likely have the same menu and Bean & Pie items.

We will keep an eye on both for more precise opening dates but for now check them out in Liberty Lake or online at https://newlovecoffee.com

Bangkok Thai planning location in Liberty Lake

 Bangkok Thai is currently in the planning phase of new location coming soon to Liberty Lake. This will be the local restaurant's 4th location adding to existing locations in Spokane Valley, South Hill and the University District neighborhood.

Bangkok Thai would occupy a new construction building that is to be built at 1312 N. Whitman Ln. on the back half of a new commercial development at the corner of Country Vista Dr and Whitman. The front half of the project is already open and home two new buildings housing Children's Choice Dental, Reese Boutique and the newly relocated Palenque Mexican Restaurant.

The currently vacant lot where the new Bangkok Thai restaurant will be built.

According to the permit filings on the City of Liberty Lake's website the new restaurant building would be 3900 Sq Feet with Silvey Construction acting as the general contractor and architectural design being done by Bernardo Wills. We asked Bangkok Thai about the location, and they said they are currently finalizing design work and they hope to open at the site this Summer, although no date is set. The new Liberty Lake Bangkok Thai would feature a full bar and the same menu as their other stores. 

Showing the vacant lot next to where the project's other new building will be located with the F5 Networks building in the background.

Also, another new building is also in the works at the same site directly to the east of where the new restaurant will be built. That building is shown on permit records to be a 4700 Sq Foot multi-tenant commercial building at 1310 N. Whitman. Marketing flyers for the development show a portion of that building is also already leased to a business but it isn't known yet who will open there and there is still 2200 Sq Feet of space there still open to be leased. Leasing is being done by Steven Daines of Daines Capital Commerical Real Estate, with more info online at http://dainescapital.com

For more info on Bangkok Thai, visit them at http://www.spokanebangkokthai.com

Big update to our new restaurants page!

 I just did a big update to our "New restaurants in Spokane" page at http://www.inlandnwbusiness.com/p/restaurants-coming-soon.html. 

If you're looking for new places coming soon it's an awesome resource with new places like- 

Loren

New Love Coffee (new locations)

Mac Daddy's (new location)

The Mango Tree (new locations)

Hungree Bee

Chipotle Airway Heights

Popeyes Airway Heights

Popeyes North Spokane

Tamale Box

Sorrella's

Shelby's

Habit Burger Grill

Porter's Real BBQ

Off the Wall

Locos

Jones Smokehouse and Cantina

Original Pancake House

Shiki Sushi Bar & Japanese Grill

Dos Gordos

Zozo's Sandwich House

Ottimo Sandwich Shop

The Wobbly Goblin Tavern

Beard Papa's

Sandos

House of Brunch

And,more...

There's more about each of these on our new restaurants page (http://www.inlandnwbusiness.com/p/restaurants-coming-soon.html) . Many even have their own posts on our main website. If I missed any or have questions, feel free to reach out anytime to matt.behringer@inlandnwbusiness.com

The Mango Tree Indian Kitchen to open locations in Spokane Valley and the South Hill

 The Mango Tree continues to grow and is planning to bring their delicious menu of Indian foods to even more of the Inland Northwest with two more locations being planned to open soon. 

Currently the small locally owned chain has locations in Coeur d' Alene, Downtown Spokane and another in North Spokane at 9225 N. Nevada the just opened in the middle of 2022 following the successful rebranding of a pizza restaurant that was being operated by the same owner. The same company, SA Group of Restaurants, also operates The New 63 Social House & Eatery on W. Main in Downtown Spokane.

The new Spokane Valley Mango Tree location is currently set to open sometime in February at 14208 E. Sprague Ave. , which was last a sports bar called The Ref. They plan to do some renovations to the space before opening but say they will keep all of the screens from the sports bar allowing patrons to watch live sports including cricket.

The new South Hill Mango Tree locations is also currently scheduled to open in February at 2912 E. Palouse Hwy in the former Fire & Ice bar location nearby the South Hill Target store. This location will be a bit smaller than their others but like the other restaurants who have called this space home, they plan to utilize the on-site patio with fire feature for additional dining space. 

Like all locations of The Mango Tree these new restaurants will feature a full bar. Those not wanting to dine in can still pick up take away orders and delivery services like UberEATS, Door Dash & Grub Hub will be available. 

For more information on The Mango Tree check out http://www.themangotreerestaurants.com/ . Also follow the Spokane Valley location on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/themangotreeSV or the South Hill location on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/themangotreeSH/

Prime IV Hydration & Wellness opens in Spokane, location in Coeur d' Alene coming soon

 A new clinic has opened in Spokane that is offering a unique type of therapy for its patients. A locally owned franchise of Prime IV Hydration & Wellness launched early last month at 2630 E. 29th Ave in the Rosauers Plaza on the South Hill. 

Courtesy photo- the spa uses massage chairs and oxygen while the IV is infusing.

The business says they are a health spa that provides vitamin IV infusions and injections. Their services are available to those seeking greater health and wellness and can benefit people with vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune disorders and many other pre-existing conditions. They claim the IV treatment allows the body to absorb 100% of the vitamins compared to just 20% absorption rate when taken orally.

Courtesy photo- lead medical nurse, Brian, preparing an IV bag.

Prime IV offers memberships and there are different IV treatments available for a variety of conditions. The staff is fully trained and qualified to provide patient consultations and a Doctor oversees the daily operations of the clinic. 

Prime IV is a national franchise with over 50 locations throughout the US. The new Spokane locations is their first in Washington and the owners plan to open two more in the Spokane area in the future. Another franchise owner is also planning to open a location soon in Coeur d'Alene at 204 W. Ironwood Dr. Suite C. For more information on Prime IV Hydrations & Wellness check out their website at http://primeivhydration.com

Mixed use development in the works in Airway Heights

 A new mixed-use development is being planned on the east side of Airway Heights. Spokane based Cedar and Sage,LLC will be the general contractor for the project which is to include 93 apartment units and 15,000 SF of commercial space, with a fitness center planned for tenants leaving about 14,000 SF open to lease out to businesses, with none mentioned just yet as those spaces will be redelivered as a warm shell with built to suit opportunities coming available once the project advances. 

The project, currently called Airfield Apartments would be built on a presently vacant parcel in-between 10th and 12th Ave., just east of S. Garfield Rd. , or about one block north of US 2. Building permits have not yet been applied for but the project did go through its SEPA application / comment period in December, and we reached out and have been told that construction is planned to start in May 2023 with an estimated completion in the first quarter of 2024.

The Airfield Apartments project site plan shows it will consist of 4 buildings with 2 three story residential only buildings in the middle of the lot and smaller two-story buildings facing both 10th and 12th Ave. with ground floor commercial spaces and apartments above. Surface parking will also be built on the 4.67 acre site with 178 stalls and 17 bike racks included.

In addition to Cedar and Sage,LLC acting as the contractor, Wolfe Architectural Group is providing the architectural design work.

Charcuterie concept Graze Craze opens in Spokane Valley

 Graze Craze, which describes themselves as the leading franchise within the "graze-style food category" has opened their first location in our area with a new store now open in Spokane Valley. 

The new location is at 12709 E. Mirabeau Pkwy. Suite 50 in the Pinecroft Business Park. Alan and Cindy Rice, along with the support of their daughter, Victoria Ellis bring the Graze Craze to Spokane Valley. A recent release also indicates that the Rice family plans to open at least two more locations and is looking forward to being active in their community by volunteering and fundraising for local schools, events and organizations.

“We are over the moon to have the opportunity to share this new and exciting concept with our community,” said Cindy Rice. “My husband and I are passionate about providing an incredible customer experience and are looking forward to putting smiles on our clients’ faces by giving them beautiful charcuterie boards that wow.” 

Graze Craze specializes in artfully designed, hand crafted charcuterie boards and boxes featuring high-quality foods arranged perfectly for nibbling or hearty graze-style meals. The unique menu features several grazing options for any occasion or lifestyle.

“Graze Craze’s expansion into Eastern Washington state is an exciting step for the brand,” said Brady Lee, President of Graze Craze. “Spokane Valley is a large family-friendly suburban area, making it a great place for Graze Craze to further establish its footprint in the Pacific Northwest.” 

The new Spokane Valley Graze Craze location is open Mon-Sat 8-6 and Sun. 10-3, with the option for local delivery. For more information, visit their website at https://www.grazecraze.com/spokane-valley-wa