Downtown Spokane boasts a thriving small business community, a testament to the city’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. This vibrant ecosystem owes much to the transformative effects of Expo '74, the World's Fair held in Spokane that revitalized the downtown area.

The fair not only drew millions of visitors, but also spurred significant urban renewal projects. Before Expo '74, downtown Spokane was struggling with economic decline and urban decay. The preparation for the fair included removing industrial eyesores, creating Riverfront Park, and improving infrastructure. This revitalization breathed new life into the downtown area, attracting new businesses and investments. Washington Trust Bank has a deep history with Expo ’74 and many of its small businesses clients carry on the spirit of Expo today.

Spokandy
Started in 1913 by Terrence J. Riley and originally named Riley’s Candy, Spokandy is one of the oldest businesses in Spokane. It moved from its 1^st Avenue location to its current 3^rd Avenue store in 1964. A year later it was renamed Spokandy.

Todd Davis is the fourth owner, after buying the business at the age of 19. “I was always an entrepreneur and always wanted to own my own business,” said Davis. He was drawn to the candy business because of the happy and fun nature. A bonus is that candy is always in season. “Unless the calendar changed there would always be business,” he said.

Reflecting on the small business community downtown, Davis admires the talent and camaraderie. “Really wonderful, creative people who help open doors. Awesome chefs and breweries…and candy!”

He was only five years old at the time, but remembers seeing the Expo fireworks from his South Hill home. Born and raised in Spokane, he can now see the hospital where he was born from his office window. It’s these local ties that connect Davis to downtown and helped inspire Spokandy’s success, which now includes 36 employees, the acquisition of additional candy brands, and a wholesale business.

Domini Sandwiches
Few establishments are more synonymous with downtown Spokane than Domini Sandwiches. Founded in 1947, it moved to its current location, the street level of what is now Washington Trust’s Tower West, in 1963. In the lead up to Expo ’74, when Tower West was being constructed, the sandwich shop operated out of the Athletic Round Table building. For the buildings “topping out” ceremony, construction workers and bank employees gathered at Domini Sandwiches to celebrate.

The summer before his senior year of high school, Tom Domini went to work for his dad Al, who started the business with his brother, Fred Domini. “I remember coming into downtown on Howard and seeing all the Expo construction around the river,” said Domini. “And the clocktower being the countdown.”

The huge, made-to-order sandwiches on fresh, daily baked bread keeps regulars coming back and made Domini Sandwiches a must for visitors. And Tom Domini wouldn’t want to be any other place than downtown Spokane. “Being downtown is a tradition. Dad had opportunities to move, open more locations. But being here is special, you’re part of the place, people come to see you.”    

Barrister Winery
There are few places that offer a better ambiance than Barrister Winery’s production facility and tasting room in downtown Spokane. Located on Railroad Avenue, the renovated 1908 brick and timber building is on the National Historic Registry. A curated selection of local Inland Northwest art adorns the brick walls. “The sense of history, the basement barrel room, it’s the perfect location,” said co-owner Greg Lipsker.

Lipsker wouldn’t have the business anywhere else. “Downtown is a wonderful place to have a business. And the small business community is so supportive.” This being the case, when it came time for a satellite tasting room, Barrister didn’t look to one of the local wine regions, but eight blocks away in downtown. Across the street from the Davenport Grand Hotel at the east entrance of Auntie’s Bookstore, the tasting room is an ideal place for a glass of wine before or after a show or to visit with friends after work.

Lipsker sees how the Expo helped make it possible for his and other small businesses to thrive today. “Expo completely transformed downtown and the whole downtown experience,” he said. “The community really embraced it then and are embracing it now for what it’s done.”

A Thriving Downtown Community
Expo '74 transformed downtown into a vibrant and attractive regional center, spurring on existing businesses and laying the groundwork for future ones. These businesses, each with its unique history and offerings, carry on that vibrancy. Today the small business community continues to grow and thrive, fostering a sense of community and pride among Spokane's residents.