Uniquely Washington back in business

When Dennis and Mary Chamberlain stood in their Uniquely Washington store on Main Street in downtown Ritzville a few years ago, they could look across the street and see the Snyder Block Building, a building that had seen better days. They decided to do something about it.

They briefly closed their doors in August 2018. Less than a year later, they re-opened their business across the street in the Snyder Block Building. During that year, they put a lot of time-and money-into returning the building to its former glory.

Dennis and Mary opened Uniquely Washington in 2014 in the building now occupied by Gigamedics. They sold pre-packaged food, wine and craft beer. Later, art was added to the mix as well. While the store wasn't setup to serve prepared meals, business was good.

But prepared food was something Dennis wanted to add. A move to another building would make that possible. No expansion of any kind was possible in the building they were in.

"We were full," Chamberlain said. "There was no room to do anything. Here, we are more than twice the size. And that opened up opportunities and room to do things."

But in the end, saving an old building from disrepair was what pushed the Chamberlains over the edge to decide to move.

"We saw a building to save," Chamberlain said. "We had two real goals here. One of them was to save another building. We've accomplished that ... We've spent a pretty good chunk of money. We re-bricked this building, re-roofed it. In the upstairs, we have heating and cooling on both floors. All new electrical, all new plumbing. We've gone all through it, and yet, we worked hard to keep the original character here. And I think we've succeeded at that."

The Snyder Block Building was built in 1899. It has been home to a large number of businesses over the years.

"It has been many incarnations," Chamberlain said. "Everything from a drug store, to a grocery store to restaurants."

The building had fallen into disrepair before Dennis and Mary decided to buy it. With all the work they have put into it, they preserved what didn't need rebuilding. For example, the building still has its original floors.

Chamberlain has also added other old elements to add to the building's flavor. All of the store's product is displayed on wooden shelves. He says the shelves came to Ritzville in 1917.

The move to the Snyder Block Building allows for the serving of meals. Breakfast, consisting of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and potatoes, is served in the morning. Soup and sandwiches are served for lunch.

"We have a pretty simple menu," Chamberlain said. He then chuckled and added, "I'm a pretty simple man."

Chamberlain has further goals for the business. He said he would like to start a dinner service, with a twist. The service would be by reservation only and would consist of a single meal. One evening, for example, a steak dinner would be offered. Another evening would have a different offering.

"Our kitchen is small," Chamberlain said, "but we could handle something like that."

Chamberlain also hopes to be able to serve wine and craft beer in the future. He currently sells both items, as well as liquor, in closed containers. But he would need further licenses to serve them in the store. He hopes to move in that direction eventually. However, there are some things he never plans on selling.

"I don't want to be a bar," Chamberlain said. "I would never sell spirits. I am not going to go there."

The doors quietly re-opened in late June with a soft opening. Chamberlain said business has been pretty much what he expected. He did not want to be overrun before the staff got into a groove.