Lindaman’s on the South Hill closing after more than 35 years

After more than 35 years of providing patrons with made-from-scratch meals, Lindaman’s is closing at the end of the month.

Owner Merrilee Lindaman said she’s closing the South Hill restaurant Oct. 31 to pursue other activities, such as creating a website that will contain some of the 600 recipes she’s developed over the years.

Lindaman said she’s grateful for the restaurant’s longtime customers and employees, some of whom have been working at the location for more than 26 years.

“This has been a total love affair for me,” she said, referring to operating Lindaman’s. “It’s taken me a year to even think about (closing) because I really loved it. I never imagined I’d be here 35 years, but the community of my customers and employees has been so rich, it has just kept me here.”

Lindaman said she’s received more than 100 emails from customers since announcing the closure last week, and some traveled from Montana and Seattle to say goodbye and share memories of the restaurant.

Lindaman and her brother, David, launched the restaurant in 1984 to provide homemade food with a sense of community. Lindaman’s idea for a gourmet takeout restaurant was sparked by a trip to San Francisco, where she saw the concept at Macy’s and decided to try it out.

Lindaman leased a building at 1235 S. Grand Ave. from St. John’s Cathedral and the restaurant quickly gained a following for its homemade potpies, soups, pastas and desserts. It was also one of two espresso bars in Spokane when it uponed.

Lindaman said she’s keeping the Lindaman’s brand and recipes, but is selling restaurant equipment and the remainder of her lease on the building.

“There’s a long a line of people that have already contacted my Realtor,” she said.

Lindaman said she’s excited for a new business to take over the building and hopes it will be a nice fit for the neighborhood.

“The neighborhood has been a sweet place,” she said. “It will be really fun to have somebody else launch their dream here. I’m excited to see whoever comes after me.”