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Just across the Monroe Street Bridge sits a small, beloved café called Cedar Coffee. Visitors are greeted by the aroma of rich brews and fresh pastries, and can even purchase coffee beans sourced from around the world. But what’s the story behind this local favorite shop? It begins with the owner, Igor Anisimov, a refugee from Ukraine.
Igor’s journey to the United States
In 2014, Russia’s attack on Ukraine forced millions of Ukrainians to flee their homes for safety. After Igor’s hometown was bombed, he knew he had to leave as well. He gathered his family, including his wife who was pregnant when the war began and their two young children, and fled.
“It was a hard time in my life that I remember very well,” Igor recalls.
On September 9, 2015, Igor and his family were resettled by World Relief Spokane. Unfamiliar with the language and culture, they found themselves far outside their comfort zone. But there was one thing Igor did know well: coffee.
Opening Cedar Coffee
In Ukraine, Igor worked in many small businesses, including a coffee shop. When he first arrived in the U.S., he found employment with a cleaning company, but he knew his passion lay elsewhere. So, when the opportunity arose to open his own coffee shop, he jumped at it, and on December 1, 2017, Cedar Coffee was born.
“I love coffee,” Igor says. But he quickly learned that coffee culture in the U.S. is quite different from back home.
“In my country, people love black coffee in small cups. Americans love big cups with a lot of milk and sugar,” he says with a chuckle. “It was strange for me, but now I am okay.”
Since its grand opening in 2017, Cedar Coffee has flourished in the Spokane community.
A New Dream: Sweet Tooth
As Cedar Coffee continued to flourish, Igor was ready to take on a new challenge; a donut shop. Determined to make high-quality donuts, Igor took a trip to Italy to learn how to bake authentic donuts, then returned to Spokane ready to make his next dream to life.
That dream became Sweet Tooth, which officially opened in October 2025.
When asked why he loves Sweet Tooth, Igor smiles and says, “Because I love America, and I love donuts.” He adds with pride, “My donuts are different—different dough, different color, different flavors.”
Life now
Today, Igor and his family run Sweet Tooth and Cedar Coffee together. All of his children play a role. His oldest son manages the downtown coffee shop, while the rest of the family helps support the new donut shop on the South Hill.
“My wife… she is our brain because she has good taste,” Igor says with a smile.
From fleeing war to building two thriving businesses, Igor’s journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and hope. With the support of World Relief Spokane and the determination of a family committed to starting over, Igor has turned uncertainty into opportunity.
Support Igor and his family by visiting his businesses today!
Cedar Coffee: 701 N Monroe St, Spokane, WA 99201
Sweet Tooth: 1230 S Grand Blvd Spokane, WA 99202