The Dirt: Affordable Insurance Group

Insurance firm leases space

Affordable Insurance Group Inc. has leased 1,280 square feet in a retail-commercial center at 1908 W. Northwest Blvd.

Business owner Shawn Gochenour will operate as an Allstate insurance agency.

Following tenant improvements, he intends to open the business in April.

The building was acquired in December by NWB LLC, which paid $390,000 for the property.

The first tenant on the building’s main floor is SPVV Architects of Spokane.

Colin Conway of Kiemle & Hagood represented NWB; Levi McCormick of SDS Realty represented Gochenour.

Couple open pastry shop

The kitchen “hobby” Ron and Tracey Nelson started a few years ago has become a full-time food business. Their part-time pastry business now has a full-time food court location in the Silver Lake Mall in Coeur d’Alene.

It’s called Aebleskivers, after the classic Danish pancakes made in a sphere shape. The couple also sell a variety of other popular pastries.

After operating mostly at food fairs, farmers markets and weekend celebrations, the Nelsons went into a seasonal shop in the Silver Lake Mall last winter.

They took over the mall space formerly used by Divine Images photo studio.

Pinot’s Palette plans new store

Jackie Casey is opening Spokane’s first Pinot’s Palette in a storefront at Second and Browne, next to the Spokane Public Market. The address is 32 W. Second Ave.

Operated as a franchise, the business combines painting classes in a studio serving wine.

Started in Houston, Pinot’s Palette has more than 40 locations nationwide.

The business provides art supplies, including an apron. Customers have the choice of beer or wine served at the bar.

Casey said she will serve regional and local beers and wine. Guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks.