The Porchlight opened its doors in May 2024, just off the Palouse Highway in the heart of Valleyford. For owners Josh and Karli McKee (high school sweethearts who met through running start at Spokane Community College in the 90's), this cozy gathering place was born from a shared dream. They wanted to create a spot where neighbors could come together over great food, warm hospitality and a true sense of belonging.

When the old Palouse Brew House building went up for sale, Josh and Karli immediately saw an opportunity to bring their personal motto — “the good, the true and the beautiful” — to life. With a love for their hometown of Spokane and the community of Valleyford where they live, they saw a vision for a small-town hub where everyone knows your name. They rolled up their sleeves and got to work transforming the space into what is now The Porchlight.

Step inside, and you’ll notice the character and heart that reflect the McKees’ creativity. Josh, who personally decorated the restaurant, filled it with warmth and texture. The striking art piece along the back wall (a find from Coeur d’Alene’s Vintage Guild) sets the tone: inviting, bold and full of story.

Karli’s influence shines through the food. After being diagnosed with celiac disease in 2017, she became passionate about creating flavorful, satisfying dishes that are gluten-free, food that anyone can enjoy. Before opening The Porchlight, she owned Bella Dolci Cakes, a custom cake business in Spokane Valley known for its mouth-watering desserts.

Outside the restaurant, Josh and Karli stay busy gardening, traveling, giving back to the community and raising their three teenage children (Jadyn, Andrew and January) who are often part of the action at The Porchlight. They also run Crooked Timber Farms, a small hobby farm where they tend to cattle and goats (Karli even makes and sells her own goat’s milk products, available right inside the restaurant).

Rooted deeply in Valleyford, the McKees cherish their community ties, from local schools and farms to the families who’ve supported them since day one. “This is home,” Karli says. “It’s where our parents live, where our kids go to school, where we belong.”

Together, Josh and Karli make a great team — she’s detail-oriented and keeps everything running smoothly, while he’s a big-picture dreamer with an eye for vision and design. The result? A space that feels equal parts family, creativity, and community — a place that truly reflects the good, the true, and the beautiful.

Welcome to The Porchlight — we’re so glad you’re here.