Sparky's Firehouse Subs owners plan outlet on Mission
Sue Wendt, who owns the Sparky's Firehouse Subs sandwich shop here with her husband, Wayne, says the couple plans to open a second outlet in an about 1,100-square-foot space at 3003 E. Mission.

She says the new shop, which should be open by June, will be named Firehouse Subs Station II and will feature the same menu as the couple's other outlet, at 926 W. Indiana. She estimates it will employ about five people.

The Wendts are remodeling the space that the new shop will occupy and plan to decorate it with fire station memorabilia such as helmets, fire hydrants, and jackets. Wendt says that she and her husband are acting as their own general contractor, and the entire remodel will cost about $30,000.

Sparky's Firehouse Subs began operating here in 1994, and Wendt says the couple purchased the business two years ago with the intention of opening additional outlets.

Computer servicer offers in-home repairs, installations, lessons
Help My PC 911, an in-home computer repair and teaching service, has begun operating here, says Francis Benni, who owns the business.

Benni says his service is ideal for seniors and for people who don't want to disconnect their computers and transport them to a repair shop. He says he charges a flat fee of $69.99, rather than an hourly fee, for repair and installation work. His services include software and hardware installation, virus removal, and general computer tune ups that increase speed and efficiency.

Additionally, Benni charges an hourly rate of $19.99 to instruct clients who would like to become proficient with a particular program or technology of their choosing. He says he's taught seniors how to use webcams so they can stay in touch with family members who live elsewhere, and most recently taught a client how to sell and purchase things on the eBay Web site. "They're able to learn on their own computer," which is important, says Benni.

Benni is the business's only full-time employee, and operates it from his home, but says he has a few technicians who work with him on a part-time basis.

Insurance group here adds Pemco products to stable of offerings
Accurate Insurance Inc., an independent insurance agency at 909 W. Garland, has become an affiliate of Seattle-based Pemco Mutual Insurance Co. and will offer a variety of its products, says Kea Woodfill, the agency's owner.

Accurate Insurance's offerings include coverage for homes, automobiles, watercraft, recreational vehicles, and life and health, as well as commercial insurance for small and large businesses, according to information on its Web site.

Woodfill says Pemco is flexible in dealing with customers. "Pemco's willing to consider clients even when they don't quite 'fit the model,'" she says.

The Spokane insurance business began operating here in 1997 and employs six people, all of whom are licensed insurance agents, in addition to Woodfill.

Ad agency opens its doors in Valley
Dan Mathews, a Spokane advertising professional and former co-owner of The Focus Group, has started a new business named Brand It, An Advertising Agency, at 12422 E. First, in Spokane Valley.

Mathews says his desire to grow professionally and to expand into the new-media field led him to separate from The Focus Group and launch his new agency. His agency specializes in marketing, advertising, creative services, branding, video production, Web development, printing, and specialty products, he says. The company's specialty products division prints logos and messages on a variety of items.

Brand It currently employs five people, says Mathews.

LeftBank Wine set to open downtown
LeftBank Wine, a new wine bar that will double as a coffee shop, will open early next month in a 1,200-square-foot space at 108 N. Washington, says owner Aaron Kelly.

The space previously was occupied by Conti's A Caf & Tea House LLC.

Kelly says LeftBank Wine will be open Monday through Saturday and will serve primarily coffee, teas, and other nonalcoholic beverages in the morning and afternoon hours, then change its focus toward serving wine.

The business will feature 60 wines by the glass, and customers also will be able to purchase bottles of wine to take with them, says Kelly. The wine selection will be varied, and will feature wines from the western U.S. and abroad. Cheese plates, antipasto, and other foods with "simple tastes" will be available, he says.

Minor remodeling of the space is being completed and includes adding new tables, booths, chandeliers, and some wallpaper, says Kelly.

LeftBank Wine occasionally will feature tasting events with regional winemakers, and will employ six people.

Financial planner acquires practice here


Viren & Associates Inc., a 15-year-old financial planning and employee benefits firm here, has acquired the practice of longtime financial planner James F. O'Connell, says Paul Viren, who owns the firm with his wife, Beth.

Viren says that O'Connell has been working in the investment industry for 45 years and will work for Viren & Associates for at least the next five years as he prepares for retirement.

Coincidentally, Viren and O'Connell's offices were next door to one another in a building at 400 S. Jefferson. Viren says they've removed a wall and relinquished some unneeded floor space, leaving the financial services firm with an about 3,000-square-foot office.

Viren & Associates deals primarily in financial and estate planning, investment consulting, employee and executive benefits, and life, disability, and long-term care insurance. The firm currently employs eight people and is looking to hire an additional financial adviser in the next few months, says Viren.

New Businesses
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