SPOKANE, Wash. – The Skyway Cafe, a cherished Spokane landmark for over 100 years, is set to reopen on January 2, 2026, following a fire that destroyed the building in January 2025.
The fire caused significant damage, leaving the community heartbroken. Leroy Payne, a former regular at the cafe, expressed his nostalgia.
“Whenever I get up in the morning, wished I could go to breakfast someplace. There’s only one place for me and that’s to go down the Skyway Cafe,” said Payne.
In response to the tragedy, community members organized a car show to raise funds for the cafe’s revival.
“All proceeds are going to Skyway Cafe’s revival,” said Payne.
He noted that even those without a connection to cars reached out to help, highlighting the cafe’s importance in the community.
Sandra Melters, the owner of Skyway Cafe, shared her gratitude for the community’s support.
“I didn’t realize we were so important, you know, to the community.” Melters, who has run the cafe for 20 years, added, “With the outpour support it just gives me new life and I’m good for another 20 years now.”
The cafe’s reopening is eagerly anticipated by many, including Harvey Ledoux, who fondly recalled the unique experience of watching planes from the cafe.
“You could go and sit down and watch the plays go on and come back,” Ledoux said.
Melters emphasized the significance of the cafe to her family, having been part of it for nearly 55 years.
“It’s our livelihood. It’s everything we’ve worked for,” Melters said.
With the community’s continued support, the Skyway Cafe is ready to make new memories and welcome patrons back.
