New Dutch Bros. on Northwest Boulevard

Maybe you drove down Northwest Boulevard on Friday and saw the sign for free coffee. I did, and I had some, and I did give the server a tip.

It was at the new Dutch Bros. Coffee at 1680 Northwest Boulevard to celebrate its grand opening. The drive-through is open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. With five employees, the outlet is the second for franchisee Jackson Hite, who opened his first Dutch Bros. at 118 W. Hanley Ave., about a year ago.

The company opened in 1992 and has 137 locations in Western states, including eight in Idaho. One percent of the gross sales goes to nonprofit organizations, including $750,000 this year. Its headquarters is in Grants Pass, Ore. Check www.dutchbros.com.

Isaacsons buy Unique Motiff

Great ideas for homes and gifts are in a large inventory at Unique Motiff under new owners Dean and Robin Isaacson.

Located in a 1,500-square-foot space between Papa Murphy’s Pizza and Bling Salon in Prairie Shopping Center, the store offers home decor, giftwares and accent furnishings in the Old World, European and Middle Asian traditions. Items include a large selection of candles, wind chimes, bird cages, wall decor, kitchenware, bath decor, textiles, dressers, end tables, framed art, floral, wine accessories and vases.

Originally from Monroe, Wash., and Zanesville, Ohio, Dean and Robin came to North Idaho in 1999. Four family members help in the store, which is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Navimation building on Third Street

Building its own office and warehouse at 1717 N. Third St., Coeur d’Alene, Navimation offers low-voltage wiring for homes and businesses. The primary services are for security, computer, phone, TV and cable systems.

The company started in 1991 and has been at 1531 Northwest Boulevard for seven years. The new space with 3,700 square feet on two levels will open in December.

Shad Scarlett owns and manages the business with five employees. Owners include his wife, Erin, and parents Dale and Nancy Scarlett. Shad Scarlett was educated at North Idaho College and Lewis-Clark State College. Navimation hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Phone 771-0590.

Window tinting at A Different Shade

All types of window tinting for houses, businesses and vehicles are offered at A Different Shade, which opened last month at 7560 N. Government Way. The company also installs complete lines of automotive accessories.

Located in 1,500 square feet in Greenbriar Center across from Complete Suite Furniture, owners Anthony Davidson and Anna Hampton operate the business from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. Phone 772-4822.

This week’s tidbits

•Briseno Law Office is moving to 100 E. Neider Ave. (across from Costco) from 2005 Ironwood Parkway on Nov. 1. Educated at the University of Idaho and practicing here for six years, Janet Briseno and assistant Carrie Howard are moving to the new 900-square-foot space for better exposure. Phone 665-1122.

•Seeing partisan election signs on business properties is a puzzlement. Perhaps the owners are very dedicated to the politician and/or don’t mind alienating customers. Some potential customers might hesitate supporting a business that supports a candidate the customer doesn’t.

•A convenience store that closed about a year ago on Northwest Boulevard suddenly has a sign that’s timely with the gas price of $2.79.

•Speaking of Northwest Boulevard, last week I wrote that Riverstone is on the east side of that street. Oops. It’s on the west side.