Last Friday was the final workday for Pat Matthews and his Sandwich Gardens restaurant in downtown Spokane.

After opening a downtown food place and then closing it in 1998, Matthews got the chance to come back and reopen in 2009, in the east side of River Park Square's second level.

Last week Matthews had no choice but close again. His landlord, the Cowles Co., told him his lease would not be renewed.

In his place, River Park Square has leased the shop to Francesca's, a women's apparel retailer. No opening date has been set.

Matthews continues operating the Sandwich Gardens Catering business. "We've had our catering business all along, for the past 25 years," he said.

Sandwich Gardens' first downtown location was in the western half of the old River Park second level. He was there for 23 years until forced to move when River Park Square expanded.

Matthews said he'd consider finding another physical restaurant if he finds the ideal location.

Cowles Co., which operates River Park Square, also owns and operates The Spokesman-Review and spokesman.com.

 

 

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