Red Robin coming to Riverstone Complex

First it was a logo-style name printed on a map. Then it was explained as a “no go” by a development spokesman.

But now Red Robin is a “go” again for the Riverstone Complex off Northwest Boulevard in Coeur d’Alene.

The restaurant will be just west of the under-construction Hampton Inn at Riverstone Drive and Beebe Boulevard.

The popular gourmet-burger-and-more restaurant will be housed in its own building, not part of a commercial mall. Construction bids were submitted this past week.

Although Red Robin restaurants vary in size, they usually are large enough to employ 75 to 125 people.

The menu includes 22 burgers and never-ending fries as well as entrees, salads, soups, desserts, beverages and children’s meals.

The first Red Robin was in Seattle, and the company now has more than 250 restaurants throughout the nation. Its headquarters is in Greenwood Village, Colo.

Check out www.redrobin.com.

Nick-n-Willy’s Pizza opening soon

If final arrangements go smoothly, a Nick-n-Willy’s Pizza outlet will open in the Sportsman’s Plaza complex off Government Way and Neider Avenue in Coeur d’Alene next Saturday.

A grand opening is planned for Oct. 6.

The company offers takeout gourmet pizzas, either take-and-bake or cooked in the store. Its pizzas feature hand-tossed dough and fresh ingredients.

The company has outlets throughout the nation and in Western Canada. Its Web site is www.nicknwillys.com.

Local owner Brian Long, a Coeur d’Alene attorney, also owns two Nick-n-Willy’s in Western Washington.

With eight to 14 employees, the Coeur d’Alene store will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and until 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Three used-car lots opening

Although vehicles are sparse right now, three used-car lots are opening in Coeur d’Alene.

Jennifer’s Used Cars on Fourth Street just north of IHOP should be filled with about 60 vehicles by the end of the month, according to Jennifer FitzGerald, who owns the business with her husband, Steve Heberer.

FitzGerald said she plans to emphasize low-mileage, 2000-model-year or newer domestic cars and trucks in the $6,000 to $13,000 range.

When the lot is full, she’ll have seven employees and will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.

FitzGerald has 26 years’ experience in the business and formerly was a partner in Jennifer’s Used Cars in Spokane.

Call: 765-8700.

“Aiming at having 40 cars on his lot by mid-October, Dale Rounsville has purchased Lake City Imports at 1705 Northwest Blvd.

The dealership will include an expanded indoor showroom featuring European and Japanese vehicles.

Hours will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. He will have three employees.

Call: 292-1621.

“Another car lot is planned for the southwest corner of Fourth Street and Spruce Avenue. Owner is Richard Darnell of Post Falls.

This week’s tidbits

“I’ve been researching convertibles. An article in Car & Driver magazine said, “Think of them as resort wear. If you’re vacationing in Cape Cod, Jackson Hole or Coeur d’Alene, why not rent a convertible?”

Wow. Cool national publicity.

“I apologize for getting the location wrong last week for the new Storybook Bridal Boutique. It’s in the Coeur d’Alene Plaza Shops but not where Candy O’Brien’s Boutique is still open.

“Elmer’s Restaurant has a new “Northwest Fresh” menu. With 35 employees, the Coeur d’Alene business off U.S. Highway 95 and Neider Avenue is open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.