SPOKANE — The beloved Skyway Cafe at Felts Field Airport will reopen its doors on January 2nd, nearly a year after a fire forced the restaurant to close.
Owner Sandra Melter announced the reopening date during a community fundraiser Saturday, where hundreds of car enthusiasts gathered to support the cafe that has served the Spokane community for a century.
“We’re hoping for a January 2nd opening,” Melter said.
The January 9th fire, for which the Spokane Fire could not determine a cause, temporarily shut down the family-owned restaurant, leaving employees without work and the community without one of its cherished gathering places.
Melter and her family have owned the Skyway Cafe for nearly 50 years, making it a cornerstone of the Felts Field Airport area.
Rebuilding has presented significant challenges due to the building’s age and historic status.
The more than 100-year-old structure requires careful updates to meet modern building codes while preserving its character and historic designation.
“Just putting the power and the plumbing through 120-year-old building has quite a challenge,” Melter said.
The Late Great Chevy Club spearheaded Saturday’s fundraiser, bringing together multiple car clubs to support the cafe and its displaced workers. Bud Dohler from the club explained the motivation behind the event.
“We said, hey, all the separate waitresses there without a job, we’re going to do a fundraiser. So the late, great Chevy Car Club came together with all the other car clubs that saying, yeah, we want to help,” Dohler said.
More than 300 classic cars filled the parking lot of Spokane Community College as car enthusiasts and community members showed their support. All proceeds from the fundraiser will be donated directly to the cafe to help cover reopening costs.
For Melter, who describes herself as a hands-on owner who will “bust your plate or mop the floor,” the community response has been overwhelming.
“I felt truly blessed. I never realized that I meant that much to the community. So, it gives me a whole new drive of energy,” Melter said. “And I’m just ready to get in there and cook for all these people that are supporting us. And I’ve just missed everybody so much.”
The cafe has built a loyal following over the decades, with customers praising the personal service and welcoming atmosphere.
“You walk through the door, they smile, set you down there, they’re at your bacon need whatever you need. They take care of you,” Dohler said.
Melter said she’s eager to return to what she loves most.
“Just standing in front of that grill and putting out that food for these people. You know, I’ve been doing it for 20 years. I’m a working owner. I’ll bust your plate or mop the floor. I’ll fill your coffee. I’ll cook your food. Just get back in there and serve the public,” she said.
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