2 popular restaurant chains planning new Tri-Cities locations. One is opening soon
MOD Pizza is opening its second Tri-Cities restaurant as soon as inspections are final.
And a third Chipotle Mexican Grill is in talks with a developer for a possible restaurant in the Southridge area of Kennewick.
The city of Kennewick recently issued a business license to MOD Pizza, and building inspections are underway, according to city documents.
The new restaurant is in the same complex where Starbucks opened last fall in the Columbia Center mall parking lot, off Columbia Center Boulevard.
The multi-store strip was built by Hogback Development Co. of Yakima, which bought the parcel from JC Penney.
The third unit in the building sandwiched between Starbucks and MOD remains vacant. However, building permits filed in early March show the storefront is to be subdivided into two suites.
The first Tri-Cities MOD opened in 2017 at Vintner Square in Richland off Queensgate Boulevard.
MOD’s artisan pizzas can be loaded with as many of 30 topping choices for the same price.
Pizzas start at a 6 inch for about $6.70 up to an 11 inch mega thick crust for about $10.70. Gluten-friendly and cauliflower crusts are available.
Specialties include the Calexico with mozzarella, Gorgonzola, chicken, jalapenos and hot buffalo sauce or the Caspian with BBQ sauce, mozzarella, Gorgonzola, chicken, red onions and BBQ swirl finish.
The pizzeria also offers several create-your-own salad options.
MOD Pizza was founded by Seattle native Scott and Ally Svenson in 2008. Before starting MOD, they owned the Seattle Coffee Co. chain in Great Britain that sold to Starbucks for $90 million.
An exact opening date has yet to be announced and company officials could not be reached this week.
Hogback has number of other projects throughout Tri-Cities including building a Habit Burger Grill in Richland on Queengate Drive, and developing the multi-phase Sandifur Crossing at Road 68 and Sandifur Parkway that includes Grocery Outlet, Planet Fitness and Dollar Tree.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
Public documents also show Hogback is in talks with the city on a building permit for a third Tri-Cities Chipotle Mexican Grill.
Michelle Blanchard, director of operations for Hogback declined to comment on specifics, but said that Hogback is working on some exciting projects in the Tri-Cities.
She added that more details will be available in the coming months.
Hogback bought land at 3631 Plaza Way in Kennewick this month from Sun Pacific Energy, which owns Firehouse Subs throughout Tri-Cities, Walla Walla and Yakima.
The lot is across the street from a Taco Bell and the Southridge Sports Complex — near Trios Southridge Hospital and Southridge High School.
Documents filed with the state show said the lot that is slightly less than an acre sold for nearly $750,000 — more than double what Sun Pacific paid for it 10 years ago.
The chain that focuses on tacos, burritos and bowls from sustainable and organic ingredients opened its first Tri-Cities store in 2015 near the Kennewick Target store at 1102 N. Columbia Center Blvd.
The second Chipotle opened last year in Richland. The restaurant at 2673 Queensgate Drive took the spot left vacant when a Qdoba closed in 2019.
Chipotle company officials could not be reached on Thursday about their plans.
Coffee house
A new family-run coffee house opened this month on the north side of Highway 240 near the Richland Wye.
Shade Café owned by Rosa Smith and her son Sidney adjoins DermaCare of Tri-Cities, owned by Rosa’s husband, Dr. Sidney Smith. A breezeway connects the family-run businesses.
The cafe at 1299 Fowler St. serves coffee and soda drinks, sandwiches and pastries.
The sandwiches, breakfast bowls, sandwiches and burritos range from $6 and $10.
Or soup up your soda by choosing your soda and add any one of several dozen flavors or top of with an extra, such as half and half, cream of coconut or Red Bowl.
Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Online: Instagram
If you know of a retailer, restaurant, coffee shop or other business that is opening, closing, expanding, remodeling or changing its focus, send an email to reporter Allison Stormo at astormo@tricityherald.com.
This story was originally published March 19, 2021 at 5:00 AM.