New BBQ restaurant coming to downtown

A new barbecue restaurant is coming to Main Avenue in downtown Spokane.

According to permits filed with the city, Austin Live Fire BBQ will open in the renovated block of historic buildings between Washington and Stevens streets, at 421 W. Main.

Mike Jones, who owns Mizuna restaurant on Howard Street, is opening the barbecue restaurant, but declined to share his plans for the space.

Work to build out the 1,200-square-foot restaurant interior and 1,700-square-foot kitchen will cost $245,000, according to permit estimates.

The stretch of Main has seen significant investment in the past five years. The two-level former Huppin’s building that the barbecue restaurant will occupy was purchased for $1.25 million in 2013 by Spokane business owners Chris Batten, Bobby Brett and John Pariseau. The trio also purchased the building next door that housed Dutch’s Musical Instruments for $479,000.

The 1889 Building on the corner of Main and Stevens was sold in 2014 for $1 million.

Current restaurant tenants on the block include Hills’ Restaurant and Lounge, Madeleine’s Café & Patisserie and Durkin’s Liquor Bar. Sweet Peaks Ice Cream is also to open soon.

The general contractor for the restaurant renovation is Basso, of Post Falls. Spokane’s Uptic Studios designed the project.