The Dirt: Specialty candy store to open in Spokane

New candy store

A candy store that makes specialty toffee, fudge and gift baskets will open in Spokane.

Village Toffee Haus has leased 1,900 square feet at 4424 N. Wall St. to operate in a two-story building previously used by Johnson’s TV & Repair for nearly 50 years.

Village Toffee Haus owners Jim and Linda Wormell, who once operated a similar store in Leavenworth, Washington, plan to launch the store by June 1. Jim Wormell said the business also will sell products such as honey, jams and soaps that are locally made.

He said the store creates gift baskets in addition to making and selling its toffee and fudge products.

Johnson’s TV & Repair closed about seven years ago, said building owner Jody Johnson, who is not related to the original business owners. In 2014, she remodeled the building, which is next door to the Wall Street Diner. The remodel also opened two large storefront windows previously covered.

Pita Pit upgrade

The Coeur d’Alene-based corporation for the Pita Pit restaurant chain is updating a Sandpoint outlet as a test restaurant to roll out operational updates, new menu items, options for delivery, online ordering and employee training.

Some minor remodeling, including a free-standing soda station, is expected, but other updates have occurred since the corporation bought the property back from a franchise owner in November 2014. To unveil updates on March 25, the restaurant, at 116 First Ave., will discount pitas.

Courtney Beach, a corporate store division coach, said test ideas that are proven effective likely will roll out to other Pita Pits. More than 200 Pita Pits operate in the U.S., eight of which are in Eastern Washington and North Idaho. The corporation owns six of the local restaurants that also test ideas and products, but a majority nationwide have franchise owners.

Valley Planet Fitness

A Planet Fitness will occupy a building at 13112 E. Sprague Ave. near McDonald Road in Spokane Valley. The retail space previously was occupied by Value Village, before the thrift store moved in 2013 to the corner of Pines and Sprague to take a remodeled space.

The city of Spokane Valley issued a building permit March 4 for the fitness center’s improvements. The primary contractor is listed as Flynn Construction Management, and the estimated project value is $580,000.

Founded in 1992, Planet Fitness has more than 900 outlets in the U.S., a corporate description said. The business said it offers clients low-priced membership, cardio and strength equipment, and unlimited fitness instruction.

Treva Lind, correspondent