North Idaho-based Caruso’s Sandwich Co. has obtained the first building permit for tenant improvements at on the ground floor of the Ruby Suites complex that’s under construction on the Burgans Fine Furniture Block, at 1120 N. Division.

Chris & Pat Inc., of Spokane, is the contractor on the Caruso’s project, which is valued at $250,000, permit information shows.

Caruso’s representatives couldn’t be reached for comment.

The restaurant will be the fourth Caruso’s in the Inland Northwest. Caruso’s was founded in 1990 by Vince and Chelle Caruso, of Coeur d’Alene, the company’s website says.

The restaurants are open during breakfast, lunch, and dinner hours, and they feature a variety of sandwiches, pizzas, pasta bowls, wraps, soups, salads, and beverages.

The other Caruso’s restaurants are located at 2314 N. Argonne Road, in Spokane Valley, 202 W. Ironwood Drive, in Coeur d’Alene, and in the Prairie Shopping Center, in Hayden.

Ruby Suites is scheduled to open in the fall. Caruso’s will occupy one of at least three tenant bays on the ground floor of the two-building complex, which formerly was a four-story furniture store and three-story warehouse.

Mauer Construction Inc., of Spokane, is the contractor on the $6.8 million Ruby Suites project, and Bernardo|Wills Architects PC, also of Spokane, designed it.

Ruby Suites will feature 46 extended-stay residential suites.

Spokane-based Ruby Hospitality LLC, a boutique hotel operator, owns the Ruby Suites complex, which GVD Northwest LLC, a commercial real estate affiliate, is developing. GVD executives couldn’t be reached for comment.

Other Ruby Hospitality properties include the Hotel Ruby and Sapphire Lounge, at 901 W. First, and the Ruby2 hotel, at 123 S. Post, both downtown.