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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

South Hill diner an Ed-ifying bar, food joint

Mark Starr walks through renovation work in  the former Hangar 57 and Pepperdine Restaurant at 57th Avenue and Regal Street on Tuesday. He and partner Dale Kleist are opening a new eatery featuring an entire new decor with large windows and family friendly atmosphere.  (Christopher Anderson)
The Spokesman-Review

Two owners of popular Spokane hangouts are working together to build a new South Hill neighborhood bar and food joint.

Dale Kleist, owner of downtown Spokane’s Fast Eddie’s, and Mark Starr, owner of David’s Pizza in the Gonzaga University neighborhood, are partners in Famous Ed’s, at 2911 E. 57th Ave.

They’re taking over the building that used to be the Pepperdine Sports Bar and Grill, then Hangar 57.

They hoped to open by the end of the year. Realistically, it may be after the new year, Kleist said.

Renovations, with Powell Construction as the general contractor, will come to roughly $100,000, Starr said.

“What I really like is when someone comes by and says, ‘I live around here,’ ” Kleist said. “That is what we’re shooting for, making it a friendly neighborhood bar and restaurant,” he said.

They’ve added two sets of new windows – at the cost of $14,000 – to create more light in what Kleist said “was a bit of a dungeon.” Both Kleist and Starr said landlord John Young has been a big help, investing in a large share of the improvements.

Kleist and Starr are expanding the deck for more seating and building out the back for additional storage. Starr said they’ll have close to 100 seats inside.

They’ve brought in former Ella’s Supper Club executive chef Kile Tansy to revise the menu.

They will serve pizza – Starr runs a pizza place, after all, Kleist noted. Tansy will develop a full dinner menu as well.

The name Famous Ed’s is a way to develop the décor and ambience around assorted celebrities named Ed. They’ll have pictures and posters of actors and famous characters (Edward Scissorhands, Mr. Ed), entertainers (Eddie Money) and assorted others. Celebrities or sports heroes with the name Edgar also will be featured, Kleist said.

They’ll operate seven days a week, starting with lunch and dinner.

“Eventually, once things get settled in, we would like to consider adding breakfast,” Kleist said.

Season stores open in mall

Three seasonal stores have opened kiosks in River Park Square mall in downtown Spokane.

• Madison Home Holiday Store, a home boutique, is on the second level in the space formerly used by Sunglass Hut.

• Calendar Club, on the third floor, offers calendars for the coming year.

• Game Kiosk, a seller of games, puzzles and family diversions, has set up shop near the main floor escalators.

Cowles Co., which publishes The Spokesman-Review, owns and operates River Park Square.

Les Schwab remodel complete

Les Schwab Tire Centers has completed a remodel of its south Spokane store at 3105 S. Regal St., adding 4,000 square feet and a number of amenities.

Total cost of the project is estimated at $1 million. Spokane’s Vandervert Construction was the general contractor.

The project added new and upgraded service bays, giving the store a total of seven bays; a large tire showroom; expanded waiting area with Wi-Fi, television and children’s section; and expanded parking.

The store will host an open house Dec. 2-4.

Moving company expands

Spokane-based Action Moving Services just concluded a $1.2 million renovation and expansion of its Spokane Valley office and storage areas.

The overhaul at 10115 E. Knox Ave. includes 3,000 feet of new office space and expansion of its warehouse by an extra 5,000 square feet.

The company is an agent for nationwide transport company Allied Movers.

The project started in 2009, then went through a major revision after heavy snow caused the warehouse roof to collapse.

Company President Jeff Gish is hosting an open house and tour on Jan. 5. Pro Builders of Spokane was the general contractor.

Here’s the Dirt is a weekly report on development and business changes in the Inland Northwest. E-mail business@spokesman.com or call (509) 459-5528.