Articles by Kristina Lord
Homegrown delivery service a force to be reckoned with
Tracy LaMarr sketched out the plan to launch a restaurant delivery service on a plane homebound from a business conference in March 2020, as restaurants and other companies were shutting down to stem coronavirus infections. The Tri-City restaurant owner knew she’d face fierce competition from bigger, well-known companies like Uber Eats, DoorDash and Grubhub, but…
Local companies work to make national impact on hiring process
Two Tri-City-based organizations have teamed up with a westside nonprofit to spearhead an effort to upend the job search process on a nationwide scale – and for a chance to win up to $2 million. On the line isn’t just the pot of prize money but also what leaders of the companies hope will be…
Air pollution improves but region still has highest levels in state
The Tri-Cities’ ozone levels, the highest in the state, have landed the region on national and state watch lists for the past five years. Since then, levels have improved but officials can’t pinpoint why. Concerns remain about them increasing again, which could prompt sanctions from the Environmental Protection Agency. “We’ve definitely been keeping an eye…
Hearing clinic adds house calls to its menu of services
George Perkins doesn’t have to worry about navigating his wheelchair into the offices of Columbia Basin Hearing Center to see his audiologist. Since February, the 83-year-old meets with Neil Aiello from the comfort of his Kennewick home. “Dr. Neil has been here every month checking on the quality – and he just left here by…
Senior-focused agency breaks ground on $1.6M building
Senior Life Resources Northwest is adding a new building to its Richland campus. The $1.6 million, 6,100-square-foot building will be a replica of the existing administration building and should be move-in ready in about six months, said Grant Baynes, executive director of the senior-focused nonprofit best known for operating Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels. Senior Life…
Newcomers Club isn’t just for newcomers
Is a pandemic a good time to join a new club? The women who make up the Tri-Cities Newcomers Club think so. Don’t let the club’s name throw you off. It isn’t strictly for newcomers. It’s a group designed to help women meet one another through social activities and special interest groups. And there are…
Shop expands into spot once home to Ariel Gourmet & Gifts
The owner of an upscale clothing boutique can’t help but gush when she talks about her new storefront, a well-known corner spot in the Richland Parkway, once home to Ariel Gourmet & Gifts. “I cannot wait. I’m super excited to be down here. It’s charming. I love all the eateries and the bakeries. I just…
Party supply company sees ebbs, flows of Tri-City hospitality sector
A third-generation rental store owner isn’t looking to the future with the fear she felt a year ago. Today, she’s planning with Covid-19 in mind. And it appears so are her customers. “Right now, customers are booking with the mandates in place, so they know what they’re dealing with. Last year, they cancelled,” said Tammy…
Richland’s Tumbleweeds rolls through turbulent year
When anyone asks the owner of Tumbleweeds Mexican Flair about his plans, he likes to quip: “I am just honored that you think I have a plan.” The past year has been a lesson in flying by the seat your pants at the family-owned restaurant at 894 Stevens Drive in Richland. But despite the past…
Entrepreneurial teacher opens gourmet cookie shop in Richland
A Richland elementary school teacher who runs a festive wintertime side hustle is adding another one – this one catering to the Tri-City sweet tooth. Kevin Hatch, 39, plans to open Crumbl Cookie in late March. The cookie shop franchise features a weekly rotating menu of more than 120 specialty flavors. The new store at…
