Handle on Business: Phone, food, garden stores coming to Neider Plaza
Because of the time and space factors, many new or moving businesses in the north central area of Coeur d’Alene will take a few weeks to round up in this weekly column. So, hang on, we’ll hit what we can during April for the area from Neider Avenue north to Kathleen and between Fourth Street and U.S. Highway 95. And if there’s a quickie for another place opening that we shouldn’t miss, we’ll try to get it.
Last week the exploration for information on The Tutoring Club in Neider Plaza (across from Costco) put us on to three other businesses that are coming to the same complex.
“The Sprint Store probably will open first, in mid-April, in 1,400 square feet at 190 E. Neider. Selling cell phones and accessories and basic service, three employees will have the store open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Owners Jay Palmer and Bart Bess of Brigham City, Utah, have 12 stores in Utah, Washington and Idaho with the nearby full-service repair store in Spokane.
“Take-home-and-cook meals with a Mediterranean flair will be the specialty of Cena To Go, which will open May 1 in a 1,400-square-foot space. Cena (pronounced say-nah) means dinner in Spanish and Italian, which reflects the European emphasis of the business. The monthly menu varies, with 14 dinners available this month, with main dishes, veggies, sauces and pasta or potatoes. Extras can include frozen bakery goods, wines, coffees and candies.
The buyer assembles what he/she wants at the store and takes them home for dinner (or the freezer) for four to six people. The store also has gift baskets and is available for private parties or facility rental.
Originally from Blackfoot, Coeur d’Alene owner/manager Kyra Hill came to North Idaho as a child 21 years ago. With its headquarters in Spokane, Cena has 23 outlets, primarily in California and on the East Coast. With its grand opening May 11 and 12, the Coeur d’Alene store will open at 9:30 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays, 3:30 p.m. Fridays and 1 p.m. Saturdays (except for private parties). The Web site is www.cenatogo.com.
“Kootenai Lawn and Garden plans to open in mid-April in 5,000 square feet at the east end of the complex. The lawnmower and chain saw sales and service company will move from 1401 Best Ave., where it has been for five years. It also has a store at 503 E. Seltice Way.
A Coeur d’Alene native, owner John Tietz and seven employees deal with Stihl chain saws, Husquavarna saws and mowers and Snapper mowers, parts and accessories. With pickup and delivery available, they’re open Monday through Saturday. Phone: 676-1628.
Computer store opens
Anything in Apple computers and accessories is available at Mac Odyssey, which opened this week beside High Nooner Restaurant in Sportsman’s Plaza (beside Costco). Owners Bob and Brandi Dilley, manager Jamison Sylte and five employees moved from Northern Lights Mall, where they had been for six years.
They offer all Apple products, warranty repair, training and point-of-sale systems (operating a business from a Mac-based system). Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays. Originally from Madera, Calif., the Dilleys also have a Spokane store. Phone 765-9073 or check www.mac-o.com.
Company expanding
American Payment Solutions expanded into the previous Mac Odyssey space in Northern Lights Mall (at U.S. 95 and Haycraft). The 20-year-old company, in Coeur d’Alene for three years, sells Visa and MasterCard processing for merchants. In other words, they provide the scanner and make certain the credit card money gets from the merchant to the bank.
Originally from Los Angeles, owner Victor Ford came to Eastern Washington University in 1970 and from EWU to North Idaho. He has nine employees. Phone: (888) 685-1900.
This week’s tidbits
“A caution for the Sonic Burger coming to Post Falls: The snow Monday made things really risky for the roller-skating carhops at the Spokane outlet.
“A lady at Fred Meyer noticed that I picked up some litter on my way from the store to a trashcan near my car. She took my cart back for me. Nice.
“Sunday’s eat-sausage- until-you-vomit episode of the Amazing Race was disgusting. Why can’t they have a challenge to help hungry people? I’m done watching that show.