El Jefe's Grill coming soon to Coeur d' Alene

 

A new quick service restaurant specializing authentic Mexican BBQ made with mesquite is coming soon to Coeur d' Alene, and possibly other area locations in the future. Work is underway on El Jefe's Grill set to open in the storefront space at 405 E. Best Ave. Suite 104, by the corner of 4th / Best and Appleway. The business is locally owned and operated and the owner tells me their chicken, carne asada, wings and even their salsas will be roasted on the Mesquite BBQ. He says there will also be other menu items that he says everyone will be sure to love including rice bowls, Sonoran hot dogs and more.

El Jefe's Grill will also have a bar with 8 beers on tap as well as many bottled options to choose from. Additionally, the bar will have a good wine selection and pre-made cocktails. The opening date has yet to be announced but will surely be announced soon on their social media pages. A second location in a yet to be announced site somewhere in North Idaho is also being planned, watch the El Jefe's Grill social media pages for that as well.

For more information On El Jefe's Grill, visit their website at https://eljefesgrill.com/, and give them a follow-on Facebook or Instagram

Piccolo Pizza planning location in Post Falls

 Piccolo Pizza, a favorite local restaurant in Liberty Lake is working its way across the border with work underway on a new second location coming soon to Post Falls. Piccolo will join the Millworx mixed-use development in a space along 4th St. across from the Kindred & Co. Bookstore. They are hoping to open in the space sometime this Summer with opening date announcements coming soon on their social media pages.

The Post Falls Piccolo Pizza will be mostly the same menu as the Liberty Lake location which includes pizzas, pastas and a few other Italian favorites. However, this location will have some new items as well. It will also offer a full bar featuring Italian inspired craft cocktails, wine and beer. 

To learn more about Piccolo Pizza check out their website at https://piccolopizza.net/ or visit them in person at 21718 E. Mission Ave. in Liberty Lake. An Instagram page has also already been created for the new Post Falls location which can be found at https://www.instagram.com/piccolo_pizza_millworx_/

Catch by Just Poke opening inside Spokane Valley Walmart

 The catch of Spokane's new restaurant scene this weekend will likely be the grand opening of a new quick serve poke' restaurant called Catch by Just Poke'. The restaurant will be the first of two locations by in the Spokane area by the recently formed Western Washington based chain and will be located within the Spokane Valley Wal-Mart Supercenter at 15727 E. Broadway.

The new Spokane Valley Catch by Just Poke will open on Saturday, June 7th, 2025, however they plan to have deals all week long, starting with the biggest deal of them all, 50% off any Poke' bowl and first responders and teachers can get a bowl for free on Saturday and Sunday (with shown ID). The menu of Catch by Just Poke' includes Hawaiian Bowls, hot and cold bowls, Musabi and more. For those in the market for something else the business also has Acai bowls, fresh smoothies, lemonades and dole whips. 

Catch by Just Poke is also currently working on a second location in the Spokane area, that will open in Airway Heights. The Airway Heights Catch by Just Poke doesn't have an opening date set just yet but will be sometime over the summer and will also be located inside a Walmart store at the Airway Heights Walmart 1221 S. Hayford Rd.

For more information on Catch by Just Poke, including how to place an online order, visit their website at https://catchbyjustpoke.com

Ribbon cut for The Hope Center in Airway Heights

 

Courtesy photo- Ellis Media

At the end of May, the purple ribbon was cut for a new resource in Airway Heights. Located at 13326 W. Sunset Hwy. is The Hope Center, a collaboration between the Women's Healing and Empowerment Network (WHEN), Airway Heights Police Department and the West Plains Safety Alliance (WPSA). "The Hope Center is a one stop organization that assists individuals needing hope" said Dr. Mable Dunbar, founder and executive director of WHEN.  "WHEN's overall goal is to address the issues of domestic violence, sexual abuse and related abuse.

Current resources offered at The Hope Center, include: 

Cleone's Closet: free clothing and necessities.

WHEN's warehouse: free household items and furniture.

West Plains Victim Services: Victim advocates provide free support services, temporary housing, and civil and criminal legal aid to victims of violence.

LEAD West Plains: Case managers provide free long-term case management and street outreach based on harm reduction principles. LEAD is building a regional, non-punitive system of response to better address unlawful and problematic behavior that stems from unmanaged behavioral health or substance misuse challenges.

Fourth Avenue Capital acquires residential high rise in Downtown Coeur d' Alene

 Fourth Avenue Capital, a real estate investment, development and operating company with offices in Seattle and Spokane recently announced the purchase of Lake Tower, a ten-story trophy apartment tower in Downtown Coeur d' Alene,ID. Fourth Avenue Capital now owns 24 assets across its portfolio, including two other properties in the Spokane/Coeur d' Alene MSA. 

Courtesy photo- Fourth Avenue Capital via PRNewswire.

The Lake Tower offers some of the largest floor plans in the area, averaging 1,370 square feet, and includes six penthouse units on the top floors that are over 2,150 square feet in size. The building is designed so that 100% of the units have entry doors that face north resulting in sweeping views of Lake Coeur d' Alene which is only two blocks south of the Lake Tower building. All units have outdoor patios, air conditioning, and in-unit washers and dryers. Additionally, there is a covered parking garage for residents. 

This acquisition comes as Coeur d' Alene continues to experience accelerated population and economic growth. The city's population has surged 23% over the last decade - more than three times the national average. Fourth Avenue Capital plans to elevate Lake Tower through targeted capital improvements that will modernize interiors and enhance the resident experience. "Lake Tower is a generational opportunity - an irreplaceable asset in the heart of one of the most desirable small cities in the country," said Davis Vaughn, Managing Partner at Fourth Avenue Capital "With thoughtful upgrades, we will deliver a rental experience that meets the standard set by its iconic location"

Fourth Avenue Capital is also currently involved with the development of Signal Point Apartment Homes, a 240-unit apartment complex currently under construction in Liberty Lake. For more information on Fourth Avenue Capital, visit their website at https://www.fourthavecapital.com/

Lolo Lofts, new live/work units almost complete in Downtown Spokane

 A few years ago, a portion of the historic building at 111 S. Adams (corner of Adams and W. 1st Ave) in Downtown Spokane was renovated and converted into the Lolo Lofts, an urban apartment complex. But given market conditions, in 2024 work commenced to renovate the remaining vacant space into live/work loft spaces. And now those spaces are seeing a finish line with a couple of new businesses already signing on to call the new spaces home.

Courtesy photo- 4 Degrees

The units range from 600 to 800 square feet and are unique lofts which can be used as a business, an apartment or yes, even both at the same time! Two of the new spaces already have tenants signed on with a hair salon called Skulpt Hair Co. moving into one and an art studio called Murphy Bay Trading Co. going into another. Another space in the building that's not part of the live/work loft construction area also recently gained a new tenant with Jumping Jackelope Axe Throwing moving their location from a space on the eastern edge of Downtown Spokane to the Lolo Lofts building.

The project is a development that is in part led by local developer Jordan Tampien, who also has 4 Degrees Real Estate. Some of the new lofts remain for lease with Whitney Tampien being the contact for info on living and/or opening a business at the Lolo Lofts building. She can be contacted via email at whitney@4degrees.com or by office phone 509-413-1956.

Also, of interesting note the building started its life as Cheverolet car dealership in 1913 and remained an automotive sales and service center for much of its life. Which is portrayed in the above photo, which was provided by Whitney Tampien - 4 Degrees

Beans & Berries Cafe opening soon in Spokane Valley

Described by the owner as a coffee house with a healthier side to it, is the new eatery Beans & Berries Cafe, planned to open soon in the same plaza as Cinder at 1421 N. Mullan Rd. Suite A in Spokane Valley. Construction and mural painting are actively underway at the new business's space, and it should open within the next few weeks. They will likely announce an official opening date on their social media pages, which will be linked below.

The cafe will occupy a space that's a little less then 1,700 square feet. In addition to coffee drinks, Beans & Berries Cafe plans to also serve a few salad options, fresh pressed juices, real fruit smoothies, proteins and vegan options. Additionally, they'll also carry a menu of breakfast sandwiches, burritos and pastries. 

For more information on Beans & Berries Cafe, give them a follow-on social media via Instagram or Facebook

Peak Sneaks coming soon to River Park Square

 

Sneakerheads take notice, a new store is on its way to River Park Square that you'll likely want to check out. Peak Sneaks opened late last year at 66 Basin St in Ephrata and recently announced their plans to open a new second store here in Spokane.

The new store will be located on the second floor of River Park Square and while the owners don't have an opening date set up just yet, they do plan to be open before Hoopfest weekend. The store will buy, sell and trade and plans to carry 200+ sneakers at the opening and some clothing and accessories in brands like Essentials and Supreme. 

Updates on the progress of the new store can be found on Peak Sneaks Instagram page and to see some of the sneakers they currently have available, check https://peaksneaksco.myshopify.com/

Lantern Donuts coming soon to Downtown Coeur d' Alene

 

A unique a new locally owned donut shop is coming soon to Downtown Coeur d' Alene. The new business, Lantern Donuts will be located in the former Crafted Bar Room space at 519 E. Sherman Ave.  and will offer elevated chef created donuts. The donuts will be creations of an experienced pastry chef with "elevated classics", Artisan seasonals and a weekly chef's choice. According to a recent post on their social media their donuts will be all organic, natural and delicious. Prioritizing locally sourced ingredients whenever humanly possible. And using no seed oils.

Lantern Donuts will also premium coffee drinks that they will roast and craft in-house. The new business is planning to open this Summer with a soft opening possible as soon as next month. For more information on Lantern Donuts, visit their website at https://www.lanterndonuts.com/ and give them a follow-on social media via Instagram

Selkirk Sport opens new retail store in Coeur d' Alene

Courtesy photos - Selkirk Sport

Selkirk Sport, the rapidly growing Coeur d' Alene based brand of Pickleball paddles and accessories has opened a brand-new pro shop in their hometown of Coeur d' Alene. The new pro shop is located in at 7878 N. Government Way, just south of Prairie Ave. and is the second pro shop for the brand that also operates a store at 3230 N. Eagle Rd in Meridian (Boise area).

Selkirk Sport bodes itself as the premier pickleball paddle and gear brand. The company was started 10 years ago by two high school students in their father's basement and now is a leading and easily recognizable brand within the Pickleball scene, which in itself is rapidly growing. 

The Coeur d' Alene Selkirk Sports pro shop carries paddles, apparel, shoes, balls and accessories and even has an area to try out the products. The store is open Mon-Sat from 10-5 and more information on the brand can be found on their website at https://www.selkirk.com

Gangnam Style Korean Restaurant coming to Downtown Spokane

 While it's hard to write about this new restaurant without getting the 2012 viral song by the same name going through my head. It's also exciting to report that a new Korean restaurant named Gangnam Style is coming soon to Downtown Spokane.

Courtesy photo-Rencorp Realty

Gangnam Style Korean Restaurant is a new locally owned and operated restaurant that is nearing completion in the Wharton Building at 411 W. 1st Ave. The owner says the new restaurant will be a Pocha-style Korean restaurant offering and exciting and authentic Korean pub-style experience. Pocha (short for Pojangmacha) refers to Korea's beloved street food stalls and casual drinking spots, where friends and coworkers gather over delicious comfort food and drinks. Serving a mix of popular Korean street food, sizzling hot plates, and traditional drinks in a fun and welcoming atmosphere.

The menu has a decent selection of items from appetizers, lunch items and bigger meals, including the popular K Chicken. Gangnam Style will also have their own homemade Kimchi. Additionally, adding to the uniqueness of this new restaurant every wooden feature, table and lighting fixtures was made by the owner's family in their garage. The opening date hasn't been announced just yet but will surely be coming soon. Stay tuned to their social media pages for details on their progress. 

Gangnam Style Korean Restuarant is just part of the ongoing renovations to Downtown Spokane's Wharton Building. A few weeks ago, Jupiter's Eye Book Cafe opened in the building's other storefront space. Spokane based Rencorp Realty is also leading redevelopment of the upper floors of the historic building into 17 studio and one-bedroom apartments which are presently being worked on. More information on the Wharton Building redevelopment project, and Rencorp's other local projects can be found by following them on social media via Facebook or Instagram

And, for more information on Gangnam Style Korean Restaurant, visit their website at https://gangnamspokane.com/ and give them a follow-on Facebook or Instagram

Capriotti's Sandwich Shop opening in Post Falls on Tuesday

 Capriotti's Sandwich Shop, a chain known for its award-winning, hand-crafted cheesesteaks, turkey subs and more has announced the opening of their newest location, opening Tuesday, May 20th in The Pointe at Post Falls development area in Post Falls,ID. The new shop is located at 264 S. Beck Road.

Capriotti's Post Falls is owned and operated by local resident Jameson Angle. After spending his career in IT, Angle sought a way to work more closely with people and serve his community. He also opened the Coeur d' Alene location of Capriotti's in 2022, that location also remains open at 305 W. Appleway. "I've always wanted to be part of something that brings people together, and Capriotti's does just that" Angle said. "From the first bite, I knew this was a concept I wanted to share with my community. I'm excited to expand into Post Falls and introduce even more people to the incredible food and experience Capriotti's has to offer"

Capriotti's Sandwich Shop is known for its wide array of sandwiches including: 

The Bobbie - an award-winning creation made with fresh oven-roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and mayo.

Capstrami- Crafted with hot pastrami, Swiss cheese, Russian dressing and homemade coleslaw.

Cheesesteaks- Made with premium steak, chicken or Impossible plant-based meat and melted cheese, plus hot or sweet peppers.

Capriotti's also offers catering for any event, from corporate events to birthday parties. With catered items including cold sub party trays, box lunches, or a hot homemade meatball party bar. For more information, visit their website at https://capriottis.com or call the Post Falls store at 208-981-0010