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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Dance Club Planned For Late October

Sam Francis Staff writer

Motown. Disco. Funk.

McQ’s Billiards, the Valley-based entertainment company, is bringing a new twist to the Valley’s club scene: live groove, three nights a week.

McQ’s is planning to open a new dance club at 9616 E. Sprague in late October.

The 17,000-square-foot dance club would be the largest club in Spokane, said Mitch Henderson, president of McQ’s Billiards.

First on the agenda is finding a good band. Henderson is talking with several groups to provide music at the new club, but mum’s the word on specific candidates.

A 7,000-square-foot mezzanine will overlook the stage, with flashing lights and a top-flight sound system, Henderson said. Two full-sized bars will be included, with room for more than 500 people.

“There is a huge gap in the Valley for live entertainment,” said Henderson. “We’re looking to play a very large role in entertainment in the area.”

The dance club will open in stages. The first stage will be a “limited” opening, with about 4,000 square feet in use. The rest of the club will open as remodeling work is completed.

Henderson says he’s spending “plenty” to remodel the building, which used to house Northwest Fabric and Crafts, but he declines to give a specific dollar amount.

Remodeling progress has been slowed due to McQ’s recent purchase of Swackhammer’s on the North Side. That deal is expected to close this month.

McQ’s currently employs 40 people at its billiard parlor and restaurant in the Valley.

Henderson is also planning a microbrew/pizza theater downtown where the Magic Lantern theater is currently located. If that prototype is successful, he may consider a Valley location.

“We have to test the concept,” said Henderson, “But movie ticket sales have been going up and up.”

The Valley is only part of the plan.

Henderson says he’d like to start several of the concept movie parlors, possibly in the Tri-Cities or Missoula.

McQ’s annual revenues have grown by 15 percent annually, and Henderson expects that growth to continue. The dance club would be McQ’s fourth Spokane-based entertainment operation.

, DataTimes