HucksOnline has heard from a close source that owner Rob Elder closed Hot Rod Cafe this morning. Which confirms the rumor first reported in the comments section by IdBarrelRacer: "Heard that Hot Rod Cafe in Post Falls closed permanently effective immediately.. Can’t help but wonder the details on that one. Thought they were always pretty busy when I’ve eaten there." And: "Got it on good authority.. came from a friend that showed up to work there this am & they had an employee meeting. Sounds like they didn’t offer any specifics, just that they were closing." The word started leaking out after groups who meet at Hot Rod Cafe were told today that they had to find another location to meet.

Comment: Post Falls Councilwoman Kerri Thoreson commented on my Facebook wall: "This makes me sad. Rob opened Hot Rod Cafe in 1998 and has had a long career in the hospitality business. I believe he started out as a dishwasher at the North Shore when he was a teen. He was successful with Crickets in downtown CdA before investing in the Hot Rod Cafe 14 years ago. Hate to see his staff lose their jobs and that beautiful restaurant shuttered. Sad day for sure."