Retail

RV loan demand speeds ahead

Consumer confidence a contributing factor

August 11, 2016

Both lenders and dealers say consumer interest in recreational vehicle loans has grown here this year, as unemployment and gas prices remain low and buyers remain confident about the economy. While many people might think of motor homes when they hear t

General Growth Properties sees drop in earnings

GGP reports rise in its rental rates

August 11, 2016

LeAnn Bjerken

General Growth Properties Inc., the Chicago-based company that owns and operates both the NorthTown Mall and Spokane Valley Mall, has reported a decrease in second-quarter earnings compared with the year-earlier period. The company posted second-quarter

New owner renovates Trade Winds Motor Inn

Iconic motor inn to reopen as Howard Johnson hotel

July 28, 2016

Mike McLean

A Howard Johnson hotel franchisee is fanning new life into the long-vacant Trade Winds Motor Inn on the southwest corner of Third Avenue and Lincoln Street downtown. David Malik, a principal in Portland-based franchisee Comfort Hospitality LLC, says he l

Allsport opens Indian Motorcycle dealership

Liberty Lake power sports center expands

July 28, 2016

Mike McLean

Allsport, a recreational motorsports dealership in Liberty Lake, is now the Indian Motorcycle dealer for the Spokane and Inland Northwest market, says Allsport owner Eric Holt. Holt says he recently expanded the Allsport facility at 19595 E. Broadway wi

Thai Bamboo owner mulls new restaurant on South Hill

$1.5 million building would go up along 29th Avenue

July 28, 2016

The owner of Spokane-based Thai Restaurant LLC has submitted a proposal to the city of Spokane calling for a new, larger Thai Bamboo restaurant to be built at 2203 E. 29th, on the South Hill. The predevelopment application lists the estimated constructio

Magnuson Hotels 'copes with growth'

Hotel servicer focusing on its brand marketing

July 28, 2016

Mike McLean

Thomas and Melissa Magnuson, founders of Magnuson Hotels, are becoming experts at what Thomas Magnuson describes as 'coping with growth.â€ Magnuson Hotels' growth rate currently is somewhere between hyper growth associated with initial industry acce

Tomato Street might open in River Park Square

Banner suggesting arrival hangs at old Rock City

July 28, 2016

A Tomato Street restaurant banner hangs in the space that previously housed Rock City Grill restaurant on the ground level of River Park Square, suggesting that restaurant will be the next tenant. Neither River Park Square general manager Bryn West nor T

Plans for My Fresh Market grocery store surface at Kendall Yards

Art only

July 14, 2016

Staff Report

Brokers buy downtown Fusion Juice restaurant

Eatery will continue to offer smoothies, fresh-made food

July 14, 2016

Mike McLean

Dallas and Ellen Lightner and Ryan Towner, all of Spokane, have bought the assets of Fusion Juice of Spokane Inc. They plan to operate the independent restaurant in the James S. Black Building, at 107 S. Howard, as Spokane Fusion LLC. The restaurant occu

Medical Lake community sees wave of new business

Owners say they're looking to fill community needs

July 14, 2016

LeAnn Bjerken

The small town of Medical Lake just southwest of Spokane is seeing a mini-surge in business activity with a number of new businesses having opened recently and several others reopening under new ownership. Nine businesses, mostly retail, have opened ther