Restaurant to open near Fox Theater

The former owner of Mama Mia’s and the executive chef at Fugazzi Restaurant plan to open a high-end restaurant on First Avenue, near the Fox Theater in downtown Spokane.

Scratch will go into a suite next door to the Montvale Hotel and should open this fall, said Connie Naccarato, who owned and operated the north side Mama Mia’s for 20 years before it closed three years ago.

“We’re really excited about being right across the street from the Fox where the symphony is going in,” Naccarato said.

She and Jason Rex executive chef of Fugazzi looked around the area for a location for six months before leasing space at 1007 W. First Ave.

The restaurant has about 1,600-square feet of dining space and a banquet room big enough for 50 people. Scratch will serve homemade foods, including dishes made with pasta, fresh fish and dry-aged beef, Naccarato said.

Lunches will run $8 to $12 and dinners $15 to $45.