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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Handle on Business: Sandpoint Pita Pit to open mid-September

Rose Robbins  is seen at The Gallery in Hayden on  Aug. 24. Robbins, a photographer and musician, plans to open The Gallery on Sept. 4 and to offer a fine arts competition and musical events.   (Kathy Plonka)

About 20 new jobs will begin in Sandpoint in mid-September when a new Pita Pit restaurant opens at First Avenue and Bridge Street. Built in the 1950s as a service station, the double-front, 1,700-square-foot structure has served as many stores over the years.

Pita sandwiches comprise several meats and veggies and also are available as breakfast and children’s items. The menu includes salads, soups, smoothies, beverages and platters.

Owners of the Sandpoint franchise are Jeff and Tasha Walker. Originally from Emmett, Idaho, Jeff met Tasha, a Sandpoint native, in Boise, where they both worked for a restaurant. After living in different places around the world, they came to Sandpoint with daughter Makena in 2008.

Their store will be the 185th in the United States with the national headquarters in Coeur d’Alene. CEO is Jack Riggs. He started the U.S. portion of the company in 1999 with a store in Syracuse, N.Y., and the second was at the University of Idaho.

Hours in Sandpoint will be 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Phone (208) 263-8989; fax (208) 263-8988; on the Web at www.pitapitusa.com.

The Gallery to open on Prairie Avenue

Displaying and selling a variety of fine art, The Gallery will open Sept. 4 next to Inland Northwest Bank at the intersection of Prairie Avenue and Government Way.

Eight artists from throughout the Northwest will be featured, and several will discuss their works at an open house Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. Snacks, beverages and acoustic guitar by Daniel Mills will be included.

Owner Rose Robbins is a photographer and musician. She plans to offer a fine arts competition and musical events. She hopes to expand from 1,200 to 1,800 square feet. Regular hours will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Candy, floral arrangements at Sweet Stems

Combinations of candies and flowers in attractive and clever containers are the products of Sweet Stems, which will open soon at 315 E. Harrison Ave. (next to CdA Barber).

Owner Denise Lacroix and her mother, Therese Lacroix, combine flowers and plants with candies, cookies and balloons into attractive arrangements of various shapes and sizes. Denise calls the designs “inspired by nature,” and the flowers include irises, sunflowers, tulips, roses and orchids. They also offer their arrangements for special events. Originally from San Mateo, Calif, she came to North Idaho in 2001 and has a Certificate of Design.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the shop closed Wednesdays and Sundays. Phone (208) 277-6151.

This week’s tidbits

• Watch for a new coffee shop in Prairie Shopping Center.

• Golf Savings Bank has merged with Sterling Savings Bank. Golf’s four employees from 208 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, have moved to the Sterling branch at 1233 Northwood Center Court.

• Adam Hegsted of The Wandering Table will present an “Art of Pasta” class to benefit children of Art on the Edge 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 13 at The Garnet Café, 315 W. Walnut, Coeur d’Alene. Contact Jeni at (208) 818-3342 or e-mail thewanderingtable@gmail.com.

Contact Nils Rosdahl at (208) 769-3228 or nhrosdahl@nic.edu.