Old Country Buffet closes 2 Spokane restaurants

The last two Old Country Buffet restaurants in Spokane County have closed as part of the company’s Chapter 11 reorganization. Parent firm Buffets, Inc. filed the bankruptcy last week in Delaware, announcing it would close 81 underperforming restaurants. Those closed restaurants are roughly 16 percent of the 500 it operates nationally. The local locations were 12205 E. Sprague, at the corner of Pines and Sprague, in Spokane Valley; and 5504 N. Division St. in Spokane. Both closed Thursday, said Melissa Sheer, a company spokesperson. The Spokane Valley restaurant had roughly 9,600 square feet on the northeast corner of the Opportunity Shopping Center. It is next door to vacant retail space last used by Jo-Ann Fabrics. Together, those adjoining open retail spots provide about 25,000 square feet, said Carl Guenzel, of Kiemle & Hagood, which represents property owner Pac Trust of Portland.