The Dirt: Two new restaurants set to open in Valley

Separate projects in Spokane Valley will open two new restaurants: Panera Bread and Sweeto Burrito.

Yost, Mooney & Pugh is the contractor for building a 5,100-square-foot Panera Bread restaurant with a drive-thru at 15716 E. Indiana Ave, east of the Spokane Valley Mall. That new construction is valued at nearly $620,000. As of year-end 2014, Panera Bread Co. had 1,880 bakery-cafes. The company has started hiring on its website for the Spokane Valley location.

Sweeto Burrito, which serves Tex-Mex food, is expected to open May 25 at 15705 E. Broadway Ave., which formerly held a Payless Shoesource. Spokane Restaurant Equipment is the contractor. Scott Isaak, franchise owner, said the restaurant with a drive-thru will seat 67 and employ about 25 people.

In 2011, Sweeto Burrito started as a business out of a food truck in North Dakota. By 2013, the business opened up to franchising, with plans for 250 outlets in multiple states.

Dorian Studio growth prompts facility expansion

Dorian Studio, a Spokane-based photography company, is expanding its facility at 4212 W. Sunset Blvd.

The construction will add 5,350 square feet for new office and manufacturing space. Garco Construction is the general contractor for the upgrade that is just starting and expected to be done by the middle of July. City of Spokane building information lists an estimated project value of $870,000.

Jake Mark, a co-owner in the family-operated business, said the addition will provide space “for our growing yearbook production” and anticipated future growth. The project also will build a conference room and provide space for additional customer support employees.

Founded in 1914, Dorian Studio provides school photography and yearbook services in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, Nevada and Arizona.

All About Fun leases industrial park site

All About Fun LLC has leased about 5,400 square feet in the Spokane Business & Industrial Park at 3808 N. Sullivan Road in Spokane Valley. All About Fun sells and warehouses home recreation items. The business is relocating from its location at 23 S. Pines Road to the industrial park.

Chase Breckner, of Spokane Business & Industrial Park, handled the lease transaction.

Two floors getting update in Wells Fargo building

Two floors of the Wells Fargo building at 601 W. First Ave. in downtown Spokane will be updated. Baker Construction is the contractor for work on the first and seventh floors to install new walls, doors, retrofitted lighting and finishes. The project area covers more than 9,500 square feet.

Treva Lind