Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
There is a new lead for a potential restaurant in the former Smokin’ Papas’ in Garfield.
The building, owned by the Garfield Public Development Authority, has not had an operating restaurant since the summer of 2011.
After a bid by a snack-food manufacturer from Palouse fell through last year due to problems getting a USDA Rural Development loan, an idea was discussed at the Garfield council meeting in December of turning the building into a community center.
Then Garfield PDA president Daymon Marple got a phone call.
It was from a family in Palouse interested in opening a restaurant in the space — which includes all the equipment a restaurant would need still inside.
On Saturday, Jan. 5, Marple spent four hours with the interested family showing them the facility and equipment.
Marple said that the interested party has bakery and wine industry experience and expects to have financing available in March.
Other matters discussed were lighting and flooring. No carpeting or lighting was reinstalled in the building after water damage led to repairs last winter.
Marple also provided information to the family on the costs to run the building, such as gas and electric expenses.
As is their policy, the Garfield PDA has asked to see a business plan and a sample menu.
“We’re just in the negotiation stage,” said Marple. “But it looks real positive.”
The P.D.A. building’s last occupant, Smokin’ Papas’, closed in June 2011. Since then, the space has been available for use, which it was for Garfield’s Orchard Fest in September and May Day events.
Smokin’ Papas’ and previous tenants leased the space from the city.
The building remains stocked with the equipment needed to start up a restaurant.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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