Price brings restaurant experience to Valley

Lifelong Spokane area resident Charlie Price is at it again.

The longtime restaurateur, who most recently worked in the real estate field, has found his way back into the food and beverage service. Earlier this year, Price opened Charlie P’s in Spokane Valley.

“I had to have a job, so I had to buy one or build one,” Price said jovially as he noted the downturn in property sales.

But seriously, after some 14 permits, menus prepared, health codes met and hiring his 10 employees and installing kitchen equipment, Price seems to be right at home greeting customers and friends.

Price isn’t new to the restaurant and lounge scene. He had operated Charlie and Jimmie’s Tavern & Eatery in north Spokane with his father, Jimmie Price. He sold that business in 1994.

Charlie P’s is a cozy restaurant and bar that offers wireless Internet access and seating for 65 people. It’s located at the corner of Sprague Avenue and Vista Road in a building once occupied by Pizza Hut. Restaurant seating is separated with a half-wall from the adjacent bar-stool seating and minors are welcome in the restaurant until 9 p.m., Price says.

His menu includes a variety of breakfast items and lunch and dinner selections from burgers and pizzas to seafood. And that menu will grow once Price fires up his outdoor barbecue smoker and grill, where he plans to prepare ribs, chicken and sirloin roasts. He’s also prepping a fenced porch alongside the building for outdoor seating.

Customers will find Charlie P’s a welcoming atmosphere with familiar faces. Many of his employees have worked in various restaurants and bars throughout the area.

“We’re the island of misfit toys. We’re all experienced from other places and we bring it all together here,” he said.

And, if you haven’t guessed, Price offers a lighthearted down-to-earth attitude. No sense of humor necessary, he said.

“We’ll provide you with that.”