Handle on business: Red Robin opens in CdA, Ciao Mambo in Hayden
Two new “major” restaurants opened this week – Red Robin in Riverstone and Ciao Mambo in Hayden Creek Plaza. Oh, those places don’t consider this announcement late. They opened Monday, but they wanted this first week to provide the break-in time for the systems and the employees.
Red Robin offers 22 gourmet burgers and more, including entrees, salads, soups, never-ending fries, desserts, beverages and children’s meals in a lively atmosphere. Located at the intersection of Riverstone Drive and Beebe Boulevard, across from the new Hampton Inn, the restaurant seats 269 customers and has six managers with 142 employees. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 11 Fridays and Saturdays.
Although the first Red Robin was in Seattle, the company headquarters is now in Greenwood Village, Colo., and has 250 outlets nationwide. Call 765-2421; www.redrobin.com.
The publicists for Ciao Mambo stress a restaurant that reflects an ideal lifestyle, casual and fun while being tasteful, appealing and affordable. The menu includes many entrees, hearty soups, appetizers, pastas with special sauces and fresh ingredients and thin-crust pizzas.
Manager Michael Ochsner describes the cuisine as “Southern Italian, immigrant-style, fun, fast and fresh” with entrees from $10 to $15. He oversees 55 employees who serve a 4,700-square-foot place that holds 140 customers in booths (with a long one for groups) and tables and at a bar. Outdoor seating opens for warmer temperatures.
The business is owned by Glacier Restaurant Group, which has Ciao Mambo restaurants in Missoula and Whitefish, Mont., Craggy Range Bar & Grills in Sandpoint and Whitefish, and several McKenzie River Pizza restaurants in Montana. One may come here, too.
Hours in the Hayden place are 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Phone 772-9555. Check out www.ciaomambo.com.
‘Cottages’ planned for Gov’t Way
The signs call them “Cottages on Government Way,” but they’re more than where you’d find Hansel and Gretel.
Real estate specialist Chad Oakland of Century 21 describes the cottages as craftsman-style. The illustration looks like the new Ice Plant places at 11th and Mullan Avenue in Coeur d’Alene, but Oakland said these places will have no common walls.
They range from 1,400 to 1,900 square feet with three or four bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. They’ll have two-car garages and private courtyards and will range from $220,000 to $270,000.
The first model should be complete in August on the one-acre parcel. Contact Oakland at 704-2000.
This week’s tidbits
“The new Red Robin may run into the same parking problem as the other eateries on the south side of Riverstone’s cinemas. Patrons headed for the movies see these parking lots first and use them instead of advancing to the northside parking garage. On the other hand, Red Robin might have to extend its night hours to lure customers leaving the cinemas.
“A honeymoon registry is the specialty of a travel Web site developed by Karen Botker of Post Falls. It includes honeymoon plans, a gift registry, hotel upgrade, cards, massages, fruit trays, romantic dinner, etc. The Web site also is offered for anniversaries and surprise trips. Check www.karenstravelservices.com or contact Botker at botkers@verizon.net or 659-7795.
“A workshop for business leaders called “The Seven Habits for Highly Effective Leaders” will be offered through the Idaho Small Business Development Center and North Idaho College from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and next Saturday at NIC’s Workforce Training Center in Post Falls. Check www.idahosbdc.org or phone 666-8009.