Fresh Today Cafe opens in Northtown Mall

 

A new restaurant opened recently within the Northtown Mall in Spokane. The owners of Fresh Today Catering,LLC have opened a new place called Fresh Today Cafe in the food court area on the second floor of the mall. 

Fresh Today Cafe officially opened in June and will serve sandwiches, flatbreads, soups, salads, comfort foods, grab and go items, breakfast, cakes, pretzels, cookies, brownies and more. They also will routinely post specials via a "fresh sheet". Fresh Today does also plan to continue their original catering and bakery side of the business. Indoor dining is provided in the mall food court and menu items are also available for delivery via Doordash.

For more information on Fresh Today Catering visit their website at https://freshtodaycatering.com/ and give Fresh Today Cafe a follow-on social media via Facebook

Veteran duo introduces D1 Training to Coeur d' Alene with new location

 

Courtesy photo

In June local entrepreneurs and veterans Richard Smith and Kyle Parkinson opened a new D1 Training location at 8632 N. Government Way.  D1 Training is a leading fitness enrichment concept utilizing the five core tenets of athletic-based training. The new group fitness facility employs a sports-science backed training regimen led by certified trainers to help people of all ages achieve their sport and fitness goals.

D1 Training offers four age-based programs including Rookie (ages 7-11), Developmental (ages 12-14), Prep (ages 15-18) and D1 adult. Each fitness program is based on the five athletic-based tenets: dynamic warm-up, performance, strength program, core and conditioning, and cool down. Outside of group workouts, D1 Training offers group, semi-private, and one-on-one training with world class coaches. D1 Training has been expanding across the nation though franchising, D1 Training has more than 100 performance centers open with over 100 more centers currently in various stages of development.

For more information on D1 Training in Coeur d' Alene, visit the CdA location's webpage at https://www.d1training.com/cda/

New Blvd Doughnut Co / Union Roasters co-branded shop opening in Coeur d' Alene

 

What's a better combination then coffee and doughnuts? Go ahead, I'll wait...

Well, maybe there's a couple others that are close but it's that combination that is coming next week to the new location of Union Roasters, with their newest venture Blvd. Doughnut Co. at 1515 Northwest Blvd. in Coeur d' Alene. The owners claimed in a recent social media post that the doughnuts will be the PNW's holiest donuts made in small batches made fresh every morning. Additionally, the new shop will also have the full menu of the local coffee company Union Roasters who also has locations already open in Midtown Coeur d' Alene and on Tea Olive Ln. on Coeur d' Alene's northwest side. 

The new shop is scheduled to open on Monday, July 28th at 6am. Another new Union Roasters shop is currently in the planning phase to eventually open on the ground floor of the new Thomas George high rise in Downtown Coeur d' Alene. For more information on the company, visit their website at http://unionroasters.co and for more information on Blvd Doughnut Co., check out their page on Instagram

Back 40 Meadery opens on Newport Hwy in Spokane

 

Courtesy photo- Back 40 Meadery's Facebook page.

Claimed as Spokane's only honey wine tasting room, Back 40 Meadery is celebrating their grand opening this weekend at 10403 N. Newport Hwy. in the Whitworth Square shopping center. The grand opening is being called "Christmas in July" with an indoor market also included highlighting local artists and artisans. Families and non-drinkers visiting during the opening event can also partake in mocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages.

However, those wishing to partake will be able to sample mead's made locally by Back 40, who is a small batch meadery that focuses on using locally sourced honey and fresh fruit to create unique and delicious honey wines (mead).  Additionally, the new tasting room also offers a few local beers from Spokane's Bellwether Brewing. The business has operated in Elk,WA for some time before opening this new Spokane tasting room. 

The Christmas in July grand opening event is being from July 25-27th. For more information on Back 40 Meadery visit their website at http://back40meadery.com 

Construction to resume on new commercial building on Aero Rd on the West Plains

 Construction is set to resume on a paused new commercial building project at 10430 W. Aero Rd. adjacent to the Aero Rd / Westbow Rd roundabout on the West Plains. The building was once planned to be a dental clinic and site work, and foundation work was already largely done. Under the new plan however the building will be built and leased out to a number of retail and medical office tenants. No tenants can be named as of my writing this, but there is interest and marketing of the building is already underway with LT Real Estate being the local contact for leasing. 

Courtesy photo - LT Real Estate Co.

The property owner will act as the general contractor for the development, with architectural design done by Bernardo Wills. Once complete the new building will offer a total 11,500 square feet of new commercial space, shown in the marketing materials as divisible up to five separate suites. The project site plans also show a decent sized surface parking area as well.

While no tenants are confirmable for opening in this new building it will surely only be a short time before we're reporting on new places here, with easy access to I-90 and in the rapidly growing "Fake Cheney" area and the large Amazon Fulfillment Centers located just a short drive away on the other side of the I-90 freeway. For more information on leasing space in this new center contact Dallas Lightner of LT Real Estate at 509-315-8720 / dallas@ltrealestateco.com or Ryan Towner also of LT Real Estate at 509-481-0373 / ryan@ltrealestateco.com

Twisted Stitch Yarn now open on the South Hill

 

Courtesy photo.

A new locally owned and operated yarn shop is now open on the South Hill. The new business, called Twisted Stitch Yarn is located within a unique and historic building at 307 E. 18th Ave. Twisted Stich sells a variety of yarns, as well as knitting nettles, crochet hooks, as well as other knitting and crotchet tools and notions. 

In addition to the retail area, Twisted Stitch Yarn is planning to host classes starting sometime this fall. And, an open "Makers Afternoon" on Saturdays for knitters, crocheters, fiber fans and even the just curious. Information about all events at the new store can be found on their social media pages, Facebook or Instagram

They tell me their goal is to be inclusive, have fun, and grow and support our knit/crochet community.

Barrelhouse Pizzeria opening soon in Downtown Spokane

The owners of Barrelhouse Pub & Pizza are expanding their reach with a new concept coming soon to Downtown Spokane. The owners are currently working on a new restaurant called Barrelhouse Pizzeria which will open on the ground floor of the Holley Mason Building at 157 S. Howard, the former home of the now closed Zona Blanca ceviche restaurant. There isn't a set opening date for the new place just yet, however they say they might be able to do a soft opening as soon as next month. The owner of Barrelhouse will make announcements for the exact dates.

The new Barrelhouse Pizzeria will be a brick fired pizzeria and barrel aged whisky concept. The menu will consist of Neapolitan style pizzas, fresh roasted meat sandwiches, salads and whisky drawn directly from the oak barrel among other specialty drinks. 

As of my writing this I don't see a website for Barrelhouse Pizzeria in Spokane, however info on their original business Barrelhouse Pub & Pizza can be found at https://www.barrelhousepubandpizza.com/

Dickey's Barbecue Pit coming soon to Post Falls

 

Dickey's Barbecue Pit, the world's largest barbecue restaurant brand is expanding locally and will soon open a new location in Post Falls. The new restaurant will be in the space last occupied by a now closed restaurant called The Filling Station at 306 N. Spokane St.

The Dickey's chain says they are known for its authentic Texas-style barbecue with signature slow-smoked meats, classic sides, and warm hospitality.  The new restaurant will offer dine-in service, carryout, online ordering, delivery and even full-service catering. "We continue to grow with passionate local owners who believe in great food and great service," said Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey's Capital Group. "Post Falls is a thriving community, and this new restaurant reflects our commitment to bringing quality barbecue to new markets while empowering local entrepreneurs."

Work is underway for the new Post Falls Dickey's with a grand opening coming sometime within the "coming weeks". For more information on Dickey's Barbecue Pit, visit their website at https://www.dickeys.com/

Bricks & Minifigs to open new store in Coeur d' Alene

 

Courtesy photo.

Bricks & Minifigs, a franchise-based chain of LEGO product retailers is coming soon to Coeur d' Alene. A local owner will open a new Bricks & Minifigs store next to the Coeur d' Alene Fred Meyer store at 560 W. Kathleen Ave. Unit #2. They plan to do some remodeling to the space before opening so an exact opening date isn't available just yet but could be during the fall of this year. They intend to do updates on their progress via social media, which will be linked below.

Bricks & Minifigs says their motto is "rebuild, reuse and reimagine" with the store buying, selling and trading all things LEGO from large full sets to collectable minifigs and build-your-own minifigs. With the business model the inventory will also always be changing, a LEGO lover's dream come true.

For more information on Bricks & Minifigs Coeur d' Alene, visit the new store's website at https://bricksandminifigs.com/coeurdalene-id/ or give them a follow on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bamcoeurdalene

Crepe Cafe Sisters to open new location in Liberty Lake

 Crepe Cafe Sisters, a locally owned and operated crepe restaurant is planning to open a new location, this time in Liberty Lake. The business began as a food truck and became popular expanding into a brick-and-mortar location on Nettleton St. in Kendall Yards back in 2021. They also expanded to Leavenworth where they operate a location on 9th St. and both will continue to serve their delicious crepes even after the opening of the new Liberty Lake restaurant.

The new Liberty Lake Crepe Cafe Sisters will be located within the former TT's BBQ restaurant space at 1950 N. Harvest Pkwy, across from Orchard Park. Some remodeling will be done to the space first with the new restaurant planned to open there sometime in the Fall of this year. They plan to continue to offer a menu of both sweet and savory crepes with gluten free and vegan options available.

For more information on Crepe Cafe Sisters, including the portal to place an order online, check out their website at https://www.crepecafesisters.com/

Downtown Spokane celebrates cultural diversity with mini grant events

 The Downtown Spokane Partnership recently announced the five local organizations that are recipients of 2025 Mini Grants. These local organizations will be able to use the funding to activate Wall Street between Spokane Falls Blvd. and Main St. with community events. These events will be free, family-friendly events that will celebrate the region's cultural richness while offering inclusive experiences for all. 

Funding for the grant program was made possible by Numerica Credit Union. "Numerica is thrilled to join Downtown Spokane Partnership in celebrating the winners of this year's mini cultural grant program" said Travis Simpson, chief retail and digital officer at Numerica. "By investing in events that showcase diverse cultures and experiences, we are helping build these organization's capacity and ultimately a more vibrant and inclusive city." Launched with reallocated 2020 marketing dollars during the COVID-19 shutdowns, the Downtown Spokane Partnership began awarding cultural grants in 2021 to help seed community-centered events. Past recipients include the Tacos y Taquila Festival and Lunar New Year Celebration.

The 2025 Mini Grant recipients and their event dates are:

Armenian Festival of Spokane July 26th

Summer Splash Party August 9th

Soul Food & Sips August 30th

Festa Italia September 20th

Chinese Moon Festival September 27th

For full event details and times on these and the many other events in Downtown Spokane, visit the Downtown Spokane Partnership website at http://www.downtownspokane.org

Grocery Outlet planning a new store in Deer Park

 Deer Park will soon be getting a new option for grocery shopping. The California based chain of discount grocery stores, that operates mostly with local franchisees is currently in the planning process for a new store to be built at 507 W. Crawford St, next door to Tractor Supply on the edge of the Town of Deer Park. 

The project is currently in the SEPA application process to help determine its environmental impact. In the application the developer indicates they would like to begin construction at the site during the fall of 2025. This would likely mean the new store would open sometime in 2026. While actual building permits have not been issued just yet, Garco Construction has been chosen as the general contractor for the project an a worksite storage trailer is already on the site as of my writing this.

The plans show a new construction building at about 16,000 square feet with Grocery Outlet being the sole tenant and a new surface parking lot. Once open this will be the fifth location for Grocery Outlet in Spokane County, according to the Wikipedia the company boasts 480 stores chainwide as of May 2024 but the chain is currently expanding and opening new stores in many markets. For more information on Grocery Outlet, visit their website at http://groceryoutlet.com/

New multi-tenant commercial building to be built in Liberty Lake

Courtesy photo, provided by Daines Capital

Located on the western side of the city of Liberty Lake is a planned new commercial development, being marketed as the Ridgeline Center. The new building will be constructed soon at 19701 E. Appleway, across Appleway from Ridgeline High School and will offer space for one or multiple tenants focusing primarily on office or medical office space users.

All together the new building will offer 15,000 square feet of space with an onsite surface parking lot. Spaces can be demised down to 2,000 square feet and parking is offered at 5.17 to 1000 SF. Construction will be begin this summer with an estimated completion sometime around the summer of 2026. The general contractor for the Ridgeline Center project will be Silvey Construction and architectural work done by Bernardo Wills. 

There are currently no tenants to be announced as opening in the new building just yet. But I'm told there already has been a lot of interest, so we expect to know more about this once it gets closer to completion. Daines Capital is marketing the space for lease, with more information available by calling Steven Daines at 509-590-9114 or email steven@dainescapital.com , also visit https://dainescapital.com for other commercial real estate opportunities in the Inland Northwest and beyond.

The Thrifty Gift opens in Dalton Gardens

 

A new for-profit thrift store has opened in a unique building in Dalton Gardens, nearby Coeur d' Alene. Located in a former dentist's office building, The Thrifty Gift is a 1000 square foot retail store located at 6176 N. Government Way, by The Mall Storage. They've even incorporated the former dental chair rooms to display their array of merchandise.

The Thrifty Gift sells everything from adult to kids clothing, yard art, home decor, DVD's/books/magazines, collectables, handmade creations from the owner and a lot more. The owner are a daughter and her mother who have established roots in Kootenai County and say they have priced their items to make it back into the community, they even offer a punch card program for their more frequent buyers. The Thrifty Gift is currently open Tues-Say 9am-4pm and more information about the business can be found on their website https://thriftygiftdalton.square.site/ and give them a follow-on social media via Facebook .