Sandwich chain brings CdA ‘perfect’ bread, two names
You have to admire the way Jimmy John’s started.
A 19-year-old lad with two first names, Jimmy John Liautaud, decided to create the world’s greatest gourmet sandwich in 1983 in Champaign, Ill. He checked out cookbooks from a library, baked “perfect” bread, tested four sandwiches on family and friends, took to the streets with armfuls of free sandwiches, rented a tiny shop and delivered his creations to University of Illinois students.
Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches now has more than 1,000 outlets nationwide.
The next one will be in Coeur d’Alene.
Watch for an early 2011 opening in the southwest corner unit of Coeur d’Alene Towne Center, the former Montgomery Ward shopping center at Government Way and Appleway. Some of us remember when this single-roof cluster of stores actually was a mall with Montgomery Ward at the west end and Lamont’s (now Hastings) in the east end. And it was a genuine mall, with a wide hallway in the center connecting the two anchors.
Jimmy John’s will be next to empty spaces on each side, with Wing-Stop one shop to the north and Big Lots a shop to the east (although it’s rumored that Big Lots will be expanding west). The store offers 17 sub (regular) and club (twice the amount of ingredients) sandwiches, unwiches (everything but the bread) and several sides and beverages. Other options are box lunches, platters, catering and deliveries.
The store prides itself on fresh bread and real ingredients daily. A rumor is that this will the first of two area stores. This company does an especially good job with its website, www.jimmyjohns.com.
Lane Bryant Closet to open
Featuring multibrand apparel for plus-size women, a Lane Bryant Closet store will open Nov. 5 in the 8,000-square-foot space formerly occupied by Fashion Bug next to Target in Silverlake Plaza. This cluster of several stores is north of Canfield Avenue between Government Way and Highway 95.
Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug and Catherine’s Plus Sizes are under the parent name of Charming Shoppes, Inc. The company started in 1940 and now has 1,750 stores in 48 states. With eight to 10 employees, hours will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 to 9 Fridays and Saturdays and 10 to 6 Sundays. Visit www.charming shoppes.com.
Threads moves up front
Taking advantage of the Sower Bible Book Store moving from its Government Way location to Appleway, Threads tailoring and alterations shop moved to the front of the mini-mall at 7352 Government Way.
With 22 years of seamstress (maybe you call a male sewing person a seamster) experience and six years of owning Threads, Elizabeth Sturman offers all types of sewing and repairs, zipper work and bridal alterations. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, 10 to 6 Wednesdays, 10 to 3 Thursdays and Saturdays by appointment. Call (208) 762-9163.
CdA Computer Clinic to Harrison Avenue
A more central location is the object of John and Freya Coutts in their move of Coeur d’Alene Computer Clinic from East Sherman Avenue to 319 E. Harrison Ave. Located between Coeur d’Alene Barber Shop and Just Roses, the store offers new and refurbished computers, Boost mobile, accessories and repairs.
Originally from Australia and Spokane, respectively, the Couttses started the business three years ago. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 to 2 Saturdays. Call (208) 665-0080.
This week’s tidbits
• Things haven’t worked out for Coeur d’Alene Brewing Co., which closed last month in downtown Coeur d’Alene. The lease wasn’t renewed at its Second Street and Lakeside Avenue location as building owner Don “Pepper” Smock plans an eatery/drinkery there. Brewery honcho Gage Stromberg tried to find another downtown location, but it didn’t happen. The company still has a restaurant in Moscow and the Steam Plant Grill in Spokane.
• A downtown Coeur d’Alene business has a sign outside its door outlining levels of successful teachers. Too bad the author didn’t have a better teacher, as one of the key words is misspelled. (And watch the spelling of that one).
• Staying downtown, watch for Witch’s Night Out for the ladies Friday and the final farmers market and Trick or Treat the Downtown 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday.