Clinkerdagger, Red Robin Both Covet Salty’s Site

‘Several’ companies express interest Clinkerdagger Restaurant is trying to move from the second-best view site in Spokane to the first.

When Salty’s at the Falls goes out of business Dec. 29, the prime North Lincoln spot overlooking the Spokane Falls will be up for lease by Happy Guest International, Salty’s Seattle-based owner.

Restaurants Unlimited International, the Seattle company that owns Clinkerdagger, has been negotiating with Happy Guest about leasing the Salty’s building, said Jim Welch, RUI’s executive vice president.

“It’s got a better view and it’s larger,” said Welch, who is optimistic about the deal. RUI owns 26 restaurants nationwide.

But Scott Switzer, vice president of Happy Guest, said any news about a deal for the property is premature. RUI is just one of several companies interested in the site, he said.

“I guess what we’re doing is not ready to be announced,” Switzer said. “I’d say we’ll make an announcement next week.”

But he said, “There will be a new business in there shortly after the first of the year.”

Another company with a Spokane presence also is negotiating for Salty’s property. Mike Snyder, president of Red Robin International, said RUI has a better shot at getting the site than his company does.

“It’s about 50-50,” Snyder said. “I think they (RUI) can pay more than we can. That’s the problem. I’ve got to be financially responsible even though it’s a great view property.”

Red Robin has the benefit of connections. Gerry Kingen, president of Happy Guest, also is CEO of Red Robin, which has 150 restaurants nationwide, including one on the Newport Highway.

If RUI leases the property, it would move Clinkerdagger from the Flour Mill, where it has been for 22 years. The new site would be redecorated in Clinkerdagger’s traditional style, Welch said, changing from Salty’s bistro-style.

Though they’d be sad to see Clinkerdagger leave, other Flour Mill retailers say they’re confident another restaurant will eagerly take over the vacated space.

“We would hate to see them go,” said Jim King, owner of Homestead Birkenstock.”However, the Flour Mill is a wonderful location too. Clink’s does great business there.”

Pamela Barclay, owner of Wonders of the World in the Flour Mill, agreed.

“There are going to be some entrepreneurs out there who will jump at the opportunity to put a restaurant in there,” she said.

, DataTimes