Virginia Thomas

Catching up with: Spokane's Petunia & Loomis LLC

Increased visibility at its storefront helps oddities shop grow customer base

July 16, 2026

Since opening in downtown Spokane in early 2022, Petunia & Loomis LLC has grown a loyal base of customers who appreciate the bizarre and unusual.

Active aging: YMCA offers classes for older adults

Wellness programs provide physical, social, cognitive benefits for INW seniors

July 1, 2026

Virginia Thomas

From exercise routines and tips for staying active to opportunities for camaraderie, YMCA of the Inland Northwest offers a host of classes aimed at supporting older adults in the region.

Vietnamese coffee bar opens in South Hill nail salon

Ca Phe Nguyen uses imported, housemade ingredients in drinks

February 26, 2026

Virginia Thomas

A new coffee bar has opened within an existing nail salon in Spokane's Moran Prairie neighborhood on the South Hill to offer sweet drinks and pampering in one location.

Elixir Sauce Co. opens facility in Spokane Valley

Following expansion, hot sauce maker expects big production, revenue bump

February 26, 2026

Virginia Thomas

Hot sauce maker Elixir Sauce Co. has established a production facility in Spokane Valley and plans to ramp up production with the increase in space.

Bluebird’s Cottage cafe opens in Spokane Valley

Coffee shop offers DIY flower bouquet bar, monthly themes

February 12, 2026

Virginia Thomas

Bluebird’s Cottage, a cafe offering a build-your-own bouquet bar, has opened in a converted home at 18 N. Bowdish, in Spokane Valley.

Spiceology Inc. expands space, brand partnerships

Rapid growth follows profitability milestone

February 12, 2026

Virginia Thomas

Spiceology Inc. CEO Darby McLean says the company’s main challenge these days is predicting and carefully controlling growth.

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.

Griffiths, Dreher & Evans acquires firm

Janice Penar CPA/PFS served more than 75 clients

March 2, 2023

Virginia Thomas

Spokane Valley-based investment advising and accounting firm Griffiths, Dreher & Evans PS CPAs has acquired a smaller accounting firm with clients here and in Cheney. Deanna Dreher, a certified public accountant and shareholder

Old funeral home to get new life as apartments

Monroe Lofts to include wine cellars, garden plot

March 2, 2023

Virginia Thomas

A former funeral home building on North Monroe Street could be remodeled into apartment units, according to plans filed with the city of Spokane. A change-of-use application calls for renovating the former Hazen & Jaeger Funeral home, at 1306 N. Monroe