Retail

Big Table expands hospitality worker outreach

Spokane-based nonprofit aims to grow presence to 10 cities by 2029

March 2, 2023

Spokane-based nonprofit Big Table has grown steadily and is opening a fourth location next month. Launched in Spokane in 2009, Big Table was formed to assist workers in the hospitality and restaurant industry with struggles, including housing stability

Commellini Estate aims to enhance al fresco experiences

Historic family-owned venue envisioned to host more public occasions

March 2, 2023

Virginia Thomas

Commellini Estate Venue & Event Restaurant has a historical past that its owners, relatives of the original founders, say they hope to build on as they plan to increase public events at the wedding and event venue.

Sandos slings sandwiches in northwest Spokane

Breakfast, lunch stand plans two more stands after busy first weeks

March 2, 2023

Virginia Thomas

The co-owner of a new drive-thru sandwich shop in Northwest Spokane claims demand has been stronger than he had expected. Isaac Houger says Sandos, which opened Jan. 26 at a stand at 1602 N. Ash, sold more than 4,450 sandwiches in its first four weeks.

Convention bookings expected to rebound by 2025

Current activity levels off last year's pace, but outlook is stable

March 2, 2023

Maureen Dodroe

It's been three years since COVID turned the tourism and hospitality industry upside down. That's about 1,100 days of heartbreak, uncertainty, loss, rebuilding, and success. Coming out of the pandemic, we knew it would take three to five years for

Sustainable Stays: Some INW hoteliers focus on green practices

Consumers seek out eco-friendly facilities, contribute to strategies

March 2, 2023

Erica Bullock

Hotel companies are pursuing ways to reduce the environmental impacts of their lodging facilities through property upgrades, energy tracking, and flexible environmental policies that are spurred by consumer demand, and financial and energy savings

What's Happening With: QlispeÂ´ Raceway Park

Kalispel Tribe plans full road course, dragster event schedule at raceway

March 2, 2023

Mike McLean

The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is planning full road course and drag racing seasons starting this spring at its QlispÃ© Raceway Park, formerly Spokane County Raceway, almost 1 1/2 years after buying the property.

Chicana Esthetics caters to multicultural skin

Studio owner: Diverse clients need specialized cosmetic treatments

March 2, 2023

Karina Elias

Chicana Esthetics LLC has seen strong growth in its number of clients since launching in November as a cosmetic skin studio focused on skin health issues for people of Native American, Asian, African American, and Latino backgrounds.

Parting Thoughts with John and Ken Towner, of Towners Conoco

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March 2, 2023

Karina Elias

Brothers John and Ken Towner retired late last year after selling the family's 55-year-old business, Towner's Conoco gas station, located at 1906 N. Ash in Spokane's West Central neighborhood. The new owner is local businessman, Avtar Brar, who runs

Renovation plans filed with city, although lease said not finalized yet

February 16, 2023

Virginia Thomas

A flooring retailer is looking at opening a store in the former Lowe's Cos. Inc. home improvement store location at 6902 N. Division, on Spokane's North Side. According to commercial building remodel applications on file with the city of Spokane

House of Brunch to open in downtown core

Eatery to offer upscale twists on classic options

February 16, 2023

Virginia Thomas

An all-day brunch spot is set to open next month in downtown Spokane. The House of Brunch LLC is scheduled to debut its restaurant in the former Sushi Sakai space at 818 W. Riverside on Thursday, March 2. Jackson Connery, House of Brunch co-owner