New business offers natural stone slabs

With the natural look being popular in the Northwest, rock and wood building and interior products are hot items. That’s evident with three new “rock” businesses opening in Post Falls. Others opened in the past two years in Hayden.

Montana Stone Gallery opened last month at 601 N. Cecil Road (between Wal-Mart and Interstate 90). Primarily catering to builders, the Missoula-based company offers natural stone slabs for countertops, flooring, fireplaces and outdoor uses. Its stone includes granite, marble, limestone, travertine, slate and quartzite from quarries all over the world.

Open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays, the two-year-old business also has outlets in Missoula and Kalispell. Its Web site is www.montanastonegallery.com. Phone 777-8900 in Post Falls.

Offering sales and installation of stone for the kitchen and bathroom and specialty furniture, Living Stone will open in October at 4392 W. Seltice Way (next to the fire station).

Kevin Frame, who owns the business with his wife, Danielle, said the business will offer a sportsman’s connection (with the Cabela’s store coming in nearby) with furniture including antler bases with stone tops. They’ll also be able to outfit the entire kitchen and bathroom with cabinets and sinks as well as the countertops, walls and flooring.

Living Stone already has four employees. Phone 964-2416.

Meanwhile, Great Floors is building its Granite and Stone Center, also on West Seltice Way. The emphasis will be on slab floors. More on this later.

Daisy J’s opens in Cd’A Plaza

Offering a tasteful variety of home décor and gifts, last week Jennifer Rea opened Daisy J’s in the southeast corner of the Coeur d’Alene Plaza at 210 Sherman Ave. The 2,700-square-foot space formerly was part of The Zoo, which is closing the north portion of its space this weekend.

Rea’s inventory includes furniture, unique decorating items, candles and bath and body products that she finds from 21 suppliers.

Regular hours are 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., but closing later on downtown event days. Originally from Clarkston, Rea graduated from Northern Arizona University and came to North Idaho in 2001. Phone 765-3300.

New stores in Hayden Creek

The Picket Fence has moved to Hayden Creek Plaza at 8142 Government Way. The store offers primitive country and colonial home décor and accessories. Owner Marianne Kober said she particularly searches for items handcrafted in the United States, and has new furniture lines coming in. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 to 5 Saturdays. Phone 762-8147 or check www.picketfencecountry shop.com.

Hayden Creek Salon and Spa will open in 2,000 square feet in the east end of Hayden Creek’s north building July 5. The 12 employees will offer all hair and nail services, waxing, facials and massage.

Owners are Julie Lind and Ruth Ann Sletten, who say they have “a very experienced staff.” Phone 772-4600 starting July 1.

This week’s tidbits

“A classy setting with the casual atmosphere is the objective of the Bardenay Restaurant and Distillery, which opened this week at 1710 N. Riverstone Drive. With seating for 184 customers in 6,200 square feet, Bardenay offers lunch and dinner and its own distilled beverages. With other restaurants in Boise and Eagle, the Coeur d’Alene location employs 60 people. Phone 765-1540 or check www.bardenay.com.

“Last week Coeur d’Alene entertained Dallas residents John and Leslie Neal, who shared that Idaho is their 50th state to visit. When asked which state is their favorite, they said all of the Northwest is the best.

“Businesses closing recently include Stepping Stones Learning Center in Coeur d’Alene and Buffet Castle Restaurant in Post Falls.

“Pinnacle Practice Management is celebrating the open house of its expanded offices from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at 806 Clearwater Loop, Post Falls. Pinnacle provides services to physicians and medical practices such as billing, consulting, new-practice start up, information technology services, accounting, human resources, NextGen Practice Management software and electronic medical records. Phone 773-6400.