Recent state and national reports have not been good for some major restaurant operators as news that the iconic Shari’s Cafe & Pies goes out of business and Denny’s announces the closure of 150 locations. 

Movement is afoot on the construction of a new Washington Federal Bank on West Sixth Street as the contractor has moved in and fenced the property before demolition.

A walkabout The Dalles revealed some beautiful details this afternoon. Nancy Bishop was hard at it at The Dalles Art Center and a new bump-out at Third and Washington looks to slow traffic and encourage tourism and shopping.

The restaurant and bar are taking priority as VIP aims to elevate the experience of staying in downtown The Dalles.

Hospice Nurse goes after second dream in White Salmon. Family cheers her on as she dives deep into Bubba’s Brew.

Together with TEC, the company will have six offices including Vancouver and White Salmon, Washington; Bend, Keizer, The Dalles, and Tualatin, Oregon with a total of 350 employees.

Wild Bloom Yoga takes it on the trail, to the beer garden, and to a mindful place. See how Lexi Stickel is making her business fit into the landscape of locals’ lives.

Montira’s Thai Cuisine at 302 W. Second Street in The Dalles is currently closed due to labor shortages, according to its owners. “We’re closed for now. We just don’t have the people to work,” said owner Ken Sommerfelt this afternoon, Feb. 13. Sommerfelt was unable to comment further. 

Justin Moore is stoked with his new role as Executive Chef at the Last Stop Saloon. He said he gained his passion for cooking from his father, Jeffrey Clyde Moore as their large family played host to large family gatherings over the years. Moore was most recently working at the Baldwin Saloon before its closure last fall.

Arturo Dominguez's grit and determination have led him to restart his jewelry business at 409 Lincoln St., The Dalles. He said it was especially uplifting to receive so much help from the local community so that he could make it happen after a fire destroyed his shop in May.

Leta and Tim Barclift found the perfect family to take over Pioneer Electric, their appliance store in downtown The Dalles. And Frankia and Elsherie Long are excited about the opportunity to run their own business, involve their children, and strengthen family ties.

New Urban Renewal grants intend to kickstart the economy, redevelop buildings and add jobs to the central business core in The Dalles. Grants range from $10,000 to $700,000 depending on the project. Property owners are required to match from 30 to 50 percent. “There some real energy coming to downtown and it’s really exciting,” said Renewal Chair Darcy Long.

Five kits are available to help reduce startup costs and to inspire people thinking about starting a childcare operation. Kits offer new providers various supplies for caring for children. The kit includes essentials like diapers, wipes, a bottle warmer, child-safe silverware, plates, and bowls.

Imma Royal and Theo Ward cut the ribbon at Nana I Ke Kumu today, Friday, April 1st. It was long-awaited. But given the flow of things, they waited on their ribbon cutting until the downtown was bubbling with energy once again. And boy is it bubbling. It’s easy to name a half dozen new businesses in town.

Vision can determine a lot - like a child’s ability to read or develop well-coordinated movement. Dr. Janessa Hartman has opened Sunflower Vision Care, offering therapies to children experiencing difficulties in overall development, including posture, movement, balance and behavior, as well as drawing, reading and learning. Learn more here.

Mel Mendez, 63, and owner of Gameopoly on Second Street The Dalles was after it early this morning, Monday, Feb. 22. Mendez said he picked up this display cabinet while attending a flea market in Portland during the weekend. He said business has been slow, and the flea market was similar. “People are still not spending money,” he said. “It will turn around. You got to be hopeful.”