Cheney cafe adds world market

The Artist Cafe on First Street in Cheney opened a 1,500-square-foot addition called First Street International Market on Monday.

After the Rev. Jose Luis Hernandez from St. Rose Roman Catholic Church blessed the new addition, a group of local dignitaries got a preview of the market.

Noodles, rice and bread share space with nuts, chocolates, French olives, salsa, grated cassava and all manner of seasonings.

Sardines, ice cream and other perishables are displayed in a refrigerated case.

Around a corner, the shopper finds herbal soaps.

In a glass case under the cash register is an arrangement of locally made jewelry.

Shelves in another room are filled with accessories for home decor.

In the cafe, guests were treated to samples of Filipino food.

Artist Cafe hostess Armor Canady said, “Everything we serve at the cafe is available in the store.”

Her son, Omar, and daughter, Lucille, were on hand to help with details.

At 1 p.m. the facilities were open to the public.

Above the door of the First Street International Market is the logo: Products from afar brought to where you are.

“That is Omar’s work,” Armor Canady said.