Virginia Thomas

Rind & Wheat spinoff opens shop in old Fery's Catering spot

Morsel offers to-go lunch, pastries

April 21, 2022

A spinoff of bread and cheese shop Rind & Wheat has opened on the southeast edge of downtown. Morsel by Rind & Wheat, which had been scheduled to open earlier this week, primarily offers sandwiches, salads, and pastries, says owner and chef Ricky Webster

McQuilkin leads Whitworth into post-COVID era

Role said to be challenging as university competes for students in ongoing U.S. decline in enrollment

April 21, 2022

Virginia Thomas

Scott McQuilkin, Whitworth University's new president, is taking the helm of the university at a time when Whitworth is focusing on its health and science programs, and while enrollment is dropping at higher education institutions throughout the

Entrepreneurial ecosystem traverses complicated terrain

More new companies land investments as total funding declines in '21

April 21, 2022

Virginia Thomas

While funding opportunities have slowed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Spokane's startup community remains active, bolstered by employees located throughout the U.S. and events that bring attention to new companies, some market observers

The INW office market's mixed bag

As large tenants cut back, demand for smaller spaces escalates, observers say

April 21, 2022

Virginia Thomas

The commercial office space market in Spokane is a mixed bag, with high demand for smaller spaces and lower demand for larger corporate offices, commercial real estate brokers here say.

Rockwood Lane's resident demographics trend younger

More active clientele evolves at complex on lower South Hill

April 7, 2022

Virginia Thomas

Rockwood Lane Retirement Community residents have trended younger and more active in recent years, says Jason Finley, property manager and marketing representative.

Gander & Ryegrass chef revamps tiny downtown bar

Drinkery employs three, focuses on craft cocktails

April 7, 2022

Virginia Thomas

Peter Froese, the owner and chef at Spokane restaurant Gander & Ryegrass, has opened a "fancy dive bar" in a minuscule space in the downtown core.

Rising rates to widen bank's net margins

Dynamic could hamper lending demand, though

April 7, 2022

Virginia Thomas

Anticipated federal funds interest rate hikes are expected to foster an environment of growth and diversified investment among banks. One of the key ways in which banks make money is through interest rates on funds the banks loan.

Value Village store planned at former Hastings site

North Side location has been mostly vacant since 2016

April 7, 2022

Virginia Thomas

A Value Village thrift store will occupy the former Hastings music and bookstore space at 1704 W. Wellesley, near Shadle Park High School on Spokane's North Side. A sign permit filed with the city on March 23 calls for four illuminated Value Village

War and Wheat: Grain prices rise as Russia's invasion of Ukraine persists

Costs also increase as conflict complicates international trade

April 7, 2022

Virginia Thomas

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has boosted prices for wheat, benefitting Inland Northwest farmers. Potential profits, however, are threatened by increases in growing costs, agricultural experts here say.

Retirement communities rise in North Spokane, Valley

Three large projects to be finished by early 2023

March 24, 2022

Virginia Thomas

Three large senior-living projects valued at a combined $195.3 million are progressing in the Spokane area. In North Spokane, the Rockwood at Whitworth retirement community project is entering its second phase. Rockwood Retirement Communities is