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

Cathay Inn Plans Expansion

Cathay Inn owners are a step closer to beginning construction on their new restaurant on Division.

Greg Smith, city of Spokane hearing examiner, approved a zone change for three lots along Division Street between Providence and Kiernan avenues.

The lots were changed from multi-family residential site, to limited community business zone to allow the bigger restaurant and expanded parking.

Owner Eddie Eng plans to combine the three lots with seven others to build a bigger restaurant.

As conditions of the zone change approval, Eng will be required to provide landscaping, build a fence along the east side of the property to somewhat separate the business from residents, and shield lights to prevent them from glaring into nearby houses.

Cathay Inn has been a Spokane fixture since Eng’s father, Tom Eng, opened the Chinese restaurant in 1950. Eng’s son, Dennis Eng, now runs the business. The original restaurant was a quarter of the size of the current Cathay Inn. It underwent major renovation in 1959 to double the size. The current restaurant was built in 1970.

Eng hopes to begin construction this spring, increasing the size of the restaurant from 5,000 to 8,640 square feet. Parking will double from 50 to 102 spaces.

“The lounge will be bigger and the three dining rooms will be larger,” said Eng. “Our plan is to build the new restaurant, then take the old one down. We will be closed as little as possible.”

When the family first opened Cathay Inn on Division 47 years ago, there were just a few other businesses.

“North of us there was nothing,” he said.

“We have been at the same location, with the same owner for three generations,” said Eng. “We have been fortunate, people have supported us through the years.”

, DataTimes