Northern Quest plans $1.5 million food court expansion

Northern Quest Resort and Casino’s $1.5 million expansion of its food court will open in late June, adding three more restaurants.

The new offerings are a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream shop, Thomas Hammer Coffee Roasters coffee shop and Qdoba Mexican Eats.

“We’re excited to partner with several amazing local owners on these new dining options at Northern Quest,” Brandon Haugen, general manager of Kalispel Development Co., said in a news release.

The Ben & Jerry’s franchise, owned by Kari Conner, will employ about 10 people.

Thomas Hammer Coffee Roasters, which was founded in Spokane, also will employ about 10 people. Northern Quest will operate and manage the new location.

The Qdoba franchise will be owned by Northern Quest, employing about 25 people.

The food court expansion is part of a larger $20 million resort expansion project, which includes amenities for families. The food court expansion will be next to Kids Quest and Cyber Quest, a children’s entertainment center and arcade, also slated to open in June.

Other projects in the works include a retail store, boutique movie theater with dining, an RV park and 216-unit apartment complex.