Local social media pages and the local media itself has been a buzz for most of the day today over a huge, an yet un-expected announcement of a large chain grocery business expanding here.
That announcement is, that, Trader Joe's is planning to open a second location here. The chain, which is a national grocery retailer with a large and passionate following, opened there first local location a couple of years ago. That location can still be found on the South Hill in the Lincoln Heights Shopping Center ( 2975 E. 29th Ave. ) .
The new Trader Joe's will be in North Spokane this time, only a few blocks north of Northtown Mall. The store will occupy about 12,000 square feet of space in the Franklin Park Commons shopping center ( 5520 N. Division ) and will have a similar size, and likely look to the current store on the South Hill.
There is no mention as of today about how many will employed by the new North Spokane Trader Joe's, but once time gets closer some of those jobs may be filled via this, the Trader Joe's employment web site-
http://www.traderjoes.com/careers
The new Trader Joe's at Franklin Park Mall will open sometime in third or fourth quarter of 2015. It will take over a portion of the space now used by a Rite Aid store, that is vacating the shopping center for a stand alone site along Division, still on the Franklin Park Commons property
This may also be sign of improvements to come as well to the Franklin Park Commons site . As a re-construction project would make cense given the increase in traffic / interest a store like Trader Joe's usually brings ,but this is only my speculation.
For more information on Trader Joe's find them online at-
www.traderjoes.com
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Monday, November 10, 2014
The Onion to open Area 51 Taphouse at North Spokane location
The crew here at Inland Northwest Business Watch has uncovered news of a major change coming soon to a local favorite restaurant.
The Onion is currently in the construction phase to convert the restaurant's bar into an exciting new tap house style bar with a huge focus on beer. The space is being extensively remodeled behind a temporary curtain, and will have a completely different look. Here is an example rendering of what this new bar might look like once open-
In addition to the new look, a new name is also in store. The space will be called Area 51 Taphouse at The Onion. Currently it appears the new taphouse is only planned to open inside the North Spokane location of The Onion and not the Downtown location, although this has yet to be confirmed. The North Spokane Onion / Area 51 is located at 7522 N. Division.
Area 51 Taphouse, while it will likely have a full bar will put a large focus on the beers and craft beers, a huge portion of today's economy. Per the businesses page on Facebook Area 51 will offer 51 beer tasp and 50 bottled beers for a total of 101 beers. And, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong but to my knowledge this will be the largest beer selection of any restaurant in Spokane. Although, Manito Tap House on the South Hill comes close to these numbers.
Area 51 Taphouse will also do growler fills, brewer's dinners , brew gear and even a mug club. Plus even with all the new drinks, a food menu will also remain.
No opening date has been set as of yet but it appears the new space will likely open sometime within the next month.
For more information on Area 51 Taphouse at the North Spokane location of The Onion find them on Facebook at-
https://www.facebook.com/Area51Taphouse
The Onion is currently in the construction phase to convert the restaurant's bar into an exciting new tap house style bar with a huge focus on beer. The space is being extensively remodeled behind a temporary curtain, and will have a completely different look. Here is an example rendering of what this new bar might look like once open-
In addition to the new look, a new name is also in store. The space will be called Area 51 Taphouse at The Onion. Currently it appears the new taphouse is only planned to open inside the North Spokane location of The Onion and not the Downtown location, although this has yet to be confirmed. The North Spokane Onion / Area 51 is located at 7522 N. Division.
Area 51 Taphouse, while it will likely have a full bar will put a large focus on the beers and craft beers, a huge portion of today's economy. Per the businesses page on Facebook Area 51 will offer 51 beer tasp and 50 bottled beers for a total of 101 beers. And, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong but to my knowledge this will be the largest beer selection of any restaurant in Spokane. Although, Manito Tap House on the South Hill comes close to these numbers.
Area 51 Taphouse will also do growler fills, brewer's dinners , brew gear and even a mug club. Plus even with all the new drinks, a food menu will also remain.
No opening date has been set as of yet but it appears the new space will likely open sometime within the next month.
For more information on Area 51 Taphouse at the North Spokane location of The Onion find them on Facebook at-
https://www.facebook.com/Area51Taphouse
Kimball Office to close Post Falls operations
One of the region's larger employer's, and perhaps the largest employer in Post Falls will soon close it's doors. The closure will be of the Post Falls Kimball Office manufacturing facility, which has operated along Seltice Way west of Chase Rd. since the mid 1990's ( originally called Harper's ).
The company plans to relocate all production for the local plant to the companies other exsisting facilities in Indiana. In all, the Post Falls Kimball Office plant employ's about 260 and most, if not all employees will be laid off. Many employees will also be offered a severance package.
The plant closure will not be immediate, with lay offs starting as early as January and a full closure coming in about 2 years.
Also, the Kimball Office manufacturing facility has been placed up for sale with a potential buyer already found for a portion of the building. That buyer has yet to be named but it appears that buyer will occupy between 100,000 and 150,000 square feet of space including the buildings front office space. Given that it's unclear as to who this buyer is, it's also unclear if as to whether or not this new business might hire some of the former Kimball employee's.
It is also noteworthy that a aerospace manufacturing facility is also planning to build next door to Kimball. That project is still planned and will be a new location of a company that's currently in Spokane Valley. More on that soon...
The company plans to relocate all production for the local plant to the companies other exsisting facilities in Indiana. In all, the Post Falls Kimball Office plant employ's about 260 and most, if not all employees will be laid off. Many employees will also be offered a severance package.
The plant closure will not be immediate, with lay offs starting as early as January and a full closure coming in about 2 years.
Also, the Kimball Office manufacturing facility has been placed up for sale with a potential buyer already found for a portion of the building. That buyer has yet to be named but it appears that buyer will occupy between 100,000 and 150,000 square feet of space including the buildings front office space. Given that it's unclear as to who this buyer is, it's also unclear if as to whether or not this new business might hire some of the former Kimball employee's.
It is also noteworthy that a aerospace manufacturing facility is also planning to build next door to Kimball. That project is still planned and will be a new location of a company that's currently in Spokane Valley. More on that soon...
New skyscraper planned for Downtown Spokane
With Walt Worthy's massive Grand Hotel Spokane project going up rapidly nearby the Convention Center, Downtown's skyline is already changing. But, another new large project is also in the works , not far from the Grand Hotel. And, this project would change the look of the skyline perhaps more drastically then the hotel itself.
That project is a yet to be named high rise currently in the planning phase for the eastern edge of Downtown. The building would rise from the lot at the corner of Spokane Falls Blvd. and N. Division, on the Southeast side of the intersection. Currently an abandoned auto repair shop stands on the corner, it will be removed to make way for the project.
There is no construction start date or estimated opening date as of yet but we do know some info. The main news about the project will be it's shear size. The high rise will become Spokane's tallest building with 35 floors planned. In fact, this building eclipses the current tallest building in Spokane, The Bank of America Tower by 17 floors.
The new building will be developed by local developer / dentist Dr. Phillip Rudy, this is by far his largest project ever undertaken, should it come to fruition.
Plans on the 35 story high rise call for multiple uses, with retail and restaurant uses and residential uses included. Likely apartments geared towards students of the nearby Washington State University-Spokane and others looking to live where they work and play, Downtown Spokane.
We will be keeping an eye and ear out for more info and possible renderings of this potentially major project.
That project is a yet to be named high rise currently in the planning phase for the eastern edge of Downtown. The building would rise from the lot at the corner of Spokane Falls Blvd. and N. Division, on the Southeast side of the intersection. Currently an abandoned auto repair shop stands on the corner, it will be removed to make way for the project.
There is no construction start date or estimated opening date as of yet but we do know some info. The main news about the project will be it's shear size. The high rise will become Spokane's tallest building with 35 floors planned. In fact, this building eclipses the current tallest building in Spokane, The Bank of America Tower by 17 floors.
The new building will be developed by local developer / dentist Dr. Phillip Rudy, this is by far his largest project ever undertaken, should it come to fruition.
Plans on the 35 story high rise call for multiple uses, with retail and restaurant uses and residential uses included. Likely apartments geared towards students of the nearby Washington State University-Spokane and others looking to live where they work and play, Downtown Spokane.
We will be keeping an eye and ear out for more info and possible renderings of this potentially major project.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
New business openings & closings - Nov. 6th 2014
I'm a little busier this week then some, so I apologize for the shorter then normal opening and closing business post this week. But here are some of the highlights-
Division Thrift
Division Thrift, a second hand store located at 2915 N. Division, at the base of the Division St. hill has gone out of business.
Groove Merchants
Groove Merchants is a record store that's actually opening for business in Spokane. The shop is a locally owned and operated retail store that celebrated their grand opening at the beginning of November.
Groove Merchants is located by Book Traders in the heart of the Garland District at 905 W. Garland Ave.
The store also sells turntables and other vintage audio equipment.
Cleone's Closet Thrift Store
Cleone's Closet, a locally owned and operated thrift store has relocated to a new location in Airway Heights . The business can now be found at 1515 S. Lyons Rd.
Thompson's Service Station
After operating in Downtown Spokane for 40 plus years, Thompson's went out of business last month.
The shop was a gas station with deli, espresso and car wash at the corner of Third and Monroe, by I-90 on the southern edge of Downtown.
Division Thrift
Division Thrift, a second hand store located at 2915 N. Division, at the base of the Division St. hill has gone out of business.
Groove Merchants
Groove Merchants is a record store that's actually opening for business in Spokane. The shop is a locally owned and operated retail store that celebrated their grand opening at the beginning of November.
Groove Merchants is located by Book Traders in the heart of the Garland District at 905 W. Garland Ave.
The store also sells turntables and other vintage audio equipment.
Cleone's Closet Thrift Store
Cleone's Closet, a locally owned and operated thrift store has relocated to a new location in Airway Heights . The business can now be found at 1515 S. Lyons Rd.
Thompson's Service Station
After operating in Downtown Spokane for 40 plus years, Thompson's went out of business last month.
The shop was a gas station with deli, espresso and car wash at the corner of Third and Monroe, by I-90 on the southern edge of Downtown.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
More new businesses planning to open at Regal Plaza
Late last week we got the news from the Southgate District Center's Facebook page that a handful of new permits have been issued for even more new tenants coming to the Regal Plaza shopping center.
For those who may not know, Regal Plaza is the new Target anchored shopping center at Regal and Palouse Hwy on the South Hill.
While, I think I confirmed a couple of these in a earlier post on here it doesn't hurt to remind everyone. Here is their posting....
"New businesses coming to the Target site:
Jersey Mike's Subs (1st in Spokane/CdA)
Sally Beauty Supply
Supercuts
Slick Rock Tanning and Spa (2 existing locations in ID)"
In addition to these four new businesses, T-Mobile is also planning a store at the center.
We'll be looking for more information on all of these new businesses. But, especially on Jersey Mike's Subs as this will be their first location in Spokane. Jersey Mike's is a chain of sub sandwich restaurants based in Manasquan,NJ.
Several businesses in addition to Target are already opening at Regal Plaza and it's exciting to see this development fill up so fast.
For those who may not know, Regal Plaza is the new Target anchored shopping center at Regal and Palouse Hwy on the South Hill.
While, I think I confirmed a couple of these in a earlier post on here it doesn't hurt to remind everyone. Here is their posting....
"New businesses coming to the Target site:
Jersey Mike's Subs (1st in Spokane/CdA)
Sally Beauty Supply
Supercuts
Slick Rock Tanning and Spa (2 existing locations in ID)"
In addition to these four new businesses, T-Mobile is also planning a store at the center.
We'll be looking for more information on all of these new businesses. But, especially on Jersey Mike's Subs as this will be their first location in Spokane. Jersey Mike's is a chain of sub sandwich restaurants based in Manasquan,NJ.
Several businesses in addition to Target are already opening at Regal Plaza and it's exciting to see this development fill up so fast.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
CVS ,Chick-fil-A and Bass Pro Shops coming to Spokane?
Some big national chains are starting to expand more aggressively with the new improving economy. Three of those, CVS Pharmacy, Chick-fil-A and Bass Pro Shops are now on our radar as possibly coming soon to the Spokane area.
We don't have any confirmations yet but all three chains have recently or will soon open their first locations in Washington State. Only thing is they are all, for now, are in Western Washington. But Spokane might be their next logical step in expanding further into the state.
Here are the news stories from these new business openings on the other side of the Cascades-
Chick-fil-A -
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Chick-fil-A-to-open-3-restaurants-in-Puget-Sound-region-in-2015-270966941.html
CVS Pharmacy -
http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2024291586_cvsexpandsxml.html
Bass Pro Shops-
http://blogs.seattletimes.com/reeltimenorthwest/2014/10/19/grand-opening-for-new-bass-pro-shops-in-tacoma-is-wednesday/
We have also confirmed that Chipolte Mexican Grill and Cracker Barrel will be opening in Coeur d' Alene and are also tracking a lot of rumors in our area.
If you ever can confirm a new chain coming to the Spokane / Coeur d' Alene area please contact me , Matt at inlandbusiness@yahoo.com
We don't have any confirmations yet but all three chains have recently or will soon open their first locations in Washington State. Only thing is they are all, for now, are in Western Washington. But Spokane might be their next logical step in expanding further into the state.
Here are the news stories from these new business openings on the other side of the Cascades-
Chick-fil-A -
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Chick-fil-A-to-open-3-restaurants-in-Puget-Sound-region-in-2015-270966941.html
CVS Pharmacy -
http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2024291586_cvsexpandsxml.html
Bass Pro Shops-
http://blogs.seattletimes.com/reeltimenorthwest/2014/10/19/grand-opening-for-new-bass-pro-shops-in-tacoma-is-wednesday/
We have also confirmed that Chipolte Mexican Grill and Cracker Barrel will be opening in Coeur d' Alene and are also tracking a lot of rumors in our area.
If you ever can confirm a new chain coming to the Spokane / Coeur d' Alene area please contact me , Matt at inlandbusiness@yahoo.com
Monday, November 3, 2014
Knife Burger Bar to open in Downtown Spokane
Downtown Spokane's new " restaurant row " along continues to grow with a new restaurant opening next Spring in the former Agave Latin Bistro space at the corner of Lincoln and Sprague. The new restaurant was originally announced as a business called Burger Lab. But, we now know this new space will still be a burger restaurant with bar to instead be called Knife Burger Bar.
Knife Burger Bar is too open sometime in the Spring of 2015 and will create about 20 new local jobs. The new restaurant is headed up by a well known team of local restaurateurs, including Matt Goodwin, Armando Hurtado, Jon Wells, Joshua Hissong and Skip Hissong. Collectively this group owns 14 companies in the Spokane area.
Design work will be done locally by HDG Hissong + Hurtado Design Group. This is the same group that designed the other restaurants in the new Restaurant Row which currently also include Nudo Ramen House and Fire Artisan Pizza. We're also hearing a rumbling of another new restaurant around the corner in the old Deleon's and a coffee shop in the same block as Knife. Neither of those have been confirmed as of yet.
Knife Burger Bar is described as Spokane's first philanthropic restaurant with a portion of a upcoming Kickstarter campaign being donated, another portion of their sales will also be donated. More info on this is available on their web site which can be found below.
Knife's menu will consist of a selection of specialty burger with several side options. Also, their web site mentions that bacon can be added at no charge, sign me up!
Continue to watch for more on this, and for more now on Knife Burger Bar find them online. And also take a look at the rendering on the page at-
www.knifeburger.com
Social media pages coming soon.
Knife Burger Bar is too open sometime in the Spring of 2015 and will create about 20 new local jobs. The new restaurant is headed up by a well known team of local restaurateurs, including Matt Goodwin, Armando Hurtado, Jon Wells, Joshua Hissong and Skip Hissong. Collectively this group owns 14 companies in the Spokane area.
Design work will be done locally by HDG Hissong + Hurtado Design Group. This is the same group that designed the other restaurants in the new Restaurant Row which currently also include Nudo Ramen House and Fire Artisan Pizza. We're also hearing a rumbling of another new restaurant around the corner in the old Deleon's and a coffee shop in the same block as Knife. Neither of those have been confirmed as of yet.
Knife Burger Bar is described as Spokane's first philanthropic restaurant with a portion of a upcoming Kickstarter campaign being donated, another portion of their sales will also be donated. More info on this is available on their web site which can be found below.
Knife's menu will consist of a selection of specialty burger with several side options. Also, their web site mentions that bacon can be added at no charge, sign me up!
Continue to watch for more on this, and for more now on Knife Burger Bar find them online. And also take a look at the rendering on the page at-
www.knifeburger.com
Social media pages coming soon.
Hop Jack's now open at Spokane Valley Mall
The day has come, Hop Jack's official opening to the public in Spokane Valley. This is grand opening of it's second location in the Spokane area. This new restaurant is located within the Spokane Valley Mall near the Regal Cinema's entry to the mall.
Hop Jack's takes the space formerly occupied by the Tilt Arcade and the Spokane County Sheriff's Dept. sub-station ( the Sheriff's Dept. is now on the second floor of mall ). As mentioned in the first part of this article, this is the chain's second location in the Spokane market as they also continue to operate a location in North Spokane at 9265 N. Nevada near the Winco Foods grocery store.
Hop Jack's is a chain of restaurant and bar combinations featuring some TV's for sports and many beers ( hence the hop in the business name ) served in mugs at 34 degrees, with a good selection of local beers on tap. Hop Jack's menu is rather large with many burgers, sandwiches and some other entrees. A variety of side dishes are also made available as are appetizers . In addition, they also serve breakfast from a smaller menu on weekend mornings.
The Valley Mall Hop Jack's employs a little less then 100 and is operated by their parent company, Rock Solid Restaurants. The Hop Jack's chain began only a few years ago in Western Washington where the corporate offices remain.
A view of the outside of this new restaurant-
Hop Jack's takes the space formerly occupied by the Tilt Arcade and the Spokane County Sheriff's Dept. sub-station ( the Sheriff's Dept. is now on the second floor of mall ). As mentioned in the first part of this article, this is the chain's second location in the Spokane market as they also continue to operate a location in North Spokane at 9265 N. Nevada near the Winco Foods grocery store.
Hop Jack's is a chain of restaurant and bar combinations featuring some TV's for sports and many beers ( hence the hop in the business name ) served in mugs at 34 degrees, with a good selection of local beers on tap. Hop Jack's menu is rather large with many burgers, sandwiches and some other entrees. A variety of side dishes are also made available as are appetizers . In addition, they also serve breakfast from a smaller menu on weekend mornings.
The Valley Mall Hop Jack's employs a little less then 100 and is operated by their parent company, Rock Solid Restaurants. The Hop Jack's chain began only a few years ago in Western Washington where the corporate offices remain.
A view of the outside of this new restaurant-
In addition to the opening today ( Nov. 3rd ) , Hop Jack's also has trial dinner late last week in which this blogger got had the pleasure of taking part in.
I won't be writing a review based on a trial meal, but will say this will be welcome addition to the dining choices in this part of the area. Here is a look at my food from this meal, to give an idea of what Hop Jack's has-
For more information on Hop Jack's including a look at their menu, other locations and even job info find them online at-
Flip Flop Shops coming to River Park Square?
Last week while out and about in Downtown Spokane I noticed a sign for franchise opportunities for chain of stores called Flip Flop Shops in River Park Square.
Some quick research on this company has identified that Flip Flop Shops actually identifies River Park Square mall as not only a open territory for a franchise but as what they call an " Immediate franchise opportunity" which means they plan to have store at the mall within the next few months but don't have a local business owner sign on to run it as of yet.
Here is that sign with the chain's information should you be interested in bringing Flip Flop Shops to Spokane-
Some quick research on this company has identified that Flip Flop Shops actually identifies River Park Square mall as not only a open territory for a franchise but as what they call an " Immediate franchise opportunity" which means they plan to have store at the mall within the next few months but don't have a local business owner sign on to run it as of yet.
Here is that sign with the chain's information should you be interested in bringing Flip Flop Shops to Spokane-
Naturally, since this new Flip Flop Shop store isn't sold to a owner yet there is no opening date, employment info or even which space they would be at in the mall. In fact it can't even be confirmed officially yet but looks way more promising then some of the other plans and rumors.
Flip Flop Shops is a INC. 500 company and considered the " hot retailer of the year " by the International Center of Shopping Centers.
The company is a retailer of flip flops and casual footwear, selling numerous big brand names. The company is expanding very rapidly with a long list of stores either opening soon or now open.
Watch for more soon, for more information on Flip Flop Shops find them online at-
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