staff was really surprising and wonderful,” he says. Lately, Rock City has been on the receiving end of a chain of pay-it-forward donations from Rhoades’ friends and family. In the past several weeks, the restaurant has received more than $4,500 in cash donations that were then used to support its staff and purchase meals for frontline health care workers at local hospitals, as well as local nonprofits like Meals on Wheels. “We have some real generous friends out there taking care of our businesses and doing what they can to make sure we make it,” Rhoades says.
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daptability has also been the key to survival for Susan Readel’s three southwest Spokane businesses, Latah Bistro, Wine & Taps bar and Latah Latte coffee stand. “We’ve adapted our menu, seating and spacing; we had to move furniture out of the restaurant,” she notes, adding that sales are down 60 to 80 percent compared to before the pandemic. For the bistro, Readel recently invested about $2,000 in three outdoor “globes” that are allowed as part of the state’s outdoor dining regulations during COVID-19. Each of the transparent domes seats up to five diners, and each is available for three reservation-only seatings per night, with a $100-$150 minimum purchase requirement. A large roll-up door to the patio at Wine & Taps next door to the bistro has also allowed for a handful of customers at a time to sit inside. “People are so excited about the bar being open; they’re wearing hats and gloves and coats and coming in happy to say hello to our bartenders,” Readel says. Up in far north Spokane, a covered outdoor patio at Hop Mountain Tap Room and Grill has proved to be a popular option for neighborhood regulars, say owners Joe and Katie Condon. “Instead of doing tents, we built a permanent structure,” says Katie Condon. “It’s completely covered, and we have a fireplace that’s piped out and tall space heaters, so it actually stays quite warm in there. We’ve actually had four or five customers donate wood to us for the fireplace.” The couple last week were also awaiting the delivery of a carbon dioxide monitor to be able to seat customers indoors, however they expressed concerns over increased heating costs to counteract the cold coming inside at a time when sales are already drastically down. “At that point, is it even worth ramping up the electricity bill for everyone to sit inside and still be cold, when you’d be warmer outside?” says Joe Condon. Based on the outpouring of support from their customers so far, the couple are optimistic their restaurant can weather the pandemic, although they’re still worried about the impact of continued back-and-forth changes from the state on how they can operate.
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n another move to adapt to the ever-changing pandemic landscape, Latah Bistro’s Readel says she and her staff reduced the menus to just one for both the bar and bistro, a change that also helps with weekly ordering of ingredients and supplies. Weekly menu updates are posted on each venue’s social media pages, which have been vital resources to share updates with customers. “We try and do what people really Visit inlander.com/food love, and also we’re seeing some trends for a list of restaurants of what people are craving,” she says. offering patio and “People have been wanting seafood, so open-air indoor dining. we’re doing halibut and shrimp. And steak — people want steaks, so we’re doing rib-eye. And desserts; they’re into desserts. We usually run out of everything we buy because we order what we think we’re going to sell, and we usually sell out.” Like at Rock City and Hop Mountain, it’s the support from loyal regulars who are helping the team at Latah Bistro and its sister spots stay optimistic, Readel says. “The overwhelming gratitude brings us all to tears, from our loyal customers who have reached out to do anything to support us, whether it’s on social media as a ‘like’ or a gift card or a simple hello or a pickup to-go order,” she says. n
What can you give this week? VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES SCHOOL-BASED MENTORS NEEDED - COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS
The PrimeTime Mentoring Program is a rewarding 30 minutes to one-hour per week investment in making a difference to an at-risk youth in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney or Medical Lake. Mentors provide friendship and encouragement. Due to COVID-19, Communities in Schools has developed a virtual option for our PrimeTime Mentoring Program. Volunteers participate in group mentoring sessions, which are facilitated and guided through an online platform by a session host. Learn more online or contact Kelley Hinrichs at kelley@cisspokane.org or 509-413-1436. spokane.ciswa.org/services/primetime-mentoring-at-schools
HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS NEEDED - MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS
The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is seeking community volunteers with health care experience to assist in the COVID-19 pandemic recovery efforts. Nurses, CNAs, physicians and others with health care experience who are not currently employed or have personal time are needed to assist with the region’s vaccination efforts, and in the event of a significant virus surge. The MRC is looking for professionals from various disciplines including: • Registered nurses and nurse practitioners • CNAs and NACs • Physicians and physician assistants • Medical assistants • Mental health professionals To learn more or apply, visit the Medical Reserve Corps of Eastern Washington’s website. srhd.org/programs-and-services/medical-reserve-corps-of-easternwashington
VOLUNTEERS WANTED - BLESSINGS UNDER THE BRIDGE Every Wednesday night, Blessings Under the Bridge serves hot meals and dishes out hope and support to Spokane’s homeless community. Each week 20 volunteers are needed to set up stations and serve. Sign up on your own, with your family, friends or co-workers. Learn more about Blessings Under the Bridge online or contact the volunteer coordinator at butbvolunteer@gmail.com and she will email you back with dates available. butb.org
DONATIONS NEEDED WELCOME HOME KITS - FAMILY PROMISE In putting together a Welcome Home Kit, you provide essentials for a family moving from homelessness to housing. You’ll find lists of several different kinds of kits on the Family Promise website. Below are the requested items for a cleaning kit: Disinfectant wipes • Multipurpose cleaner • 3 Sponges • Drain Cleaning Product • Window Cleaner • 6 pack paper towels • Scissors • Dish Soap • Laundry detergent • Laundry basket familypromiseofspokane.org/give
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JANUARY 28, 2021 INLANDER 29