These sandwiches are Jim Dandee

Although its website wasn't functioning this past week, Jim Dandee's is a gourmet sandwich shop with franchises in Western states. This includes Idaho and Washington as Kevin Mitchell bought the franchise rights for these states and is opening an outlet in Hayden this week.

He has extensively renovated a charming 1910 house at 9551 Government Way next to Fast Trip (previously 7-Eleven) at the Hayden Avenue intersection. The place previously was a Donut House and the Illumination Cafe. The renovations include an order counter, seating in two rooms inside with a fireplace and a large deck outside.

Jim Dandee sandwiches emphasize homemade bread and the specialties of meatball and brisket "main meats." They'll also offer soups and other side dishes.

"It's fast food without the fast-food feel," Mitchell said.

Originally from Boise, he came to North Idaho in 1996 for its hunting, fishing and people. He also owns the CoiNuts store and the Tidbits newspaper.

Jim Dandee's participated in the Habitat for Humanity fundraiser Saturday and will donate unsold bread to the Food Bank. With family members among the four employees, the store will open at 11 a.m. daily.

CDA Yarn & Fiber moves to Sherman

With a wide selection including cashmere silk, angora, buffalo wool, bamboo, alpaca, pima cotton, acrylics and wool, CDA Yarn & Fabric opened last week at 1107 Sherman Ave. (across from Sterling Savings). Its previous location was at 2433 Government Way.

The store also offers knitting needles and accessories, patterns and books with knitting, crocheting, spinning and dying classes and knitting and crocheting groups meeting weekly.

Owner Andrea Rainey came to North Idaho from Seattle in 1998.

Check www.cdayarnandfiber.com as well as Facebook, Ravelry and a twice monthly e-newsletter. Phone 667-1657.

Sweet Cheeks - a diaper service, of course!

Although the store address is 1520 Sherman Ave., Sweet Cheeks Diaper Service offers pickup and delivery for Kootenai County and Spokane County.

The service includes traditional, pre-folded cotton diapers and liners, a diaper pail and accessories. They also have a pre-birth option.

Owners Jessica Hampsch, Emily Jensen and Michelle Todhunter maintain that cloth diapers are more economical than disposable and also healthier for babies and the environment. Calls are taken 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday at 277-4915. Check www.sweetcheeksds.com.

A1 Camera Repair returns to CdA

After 10 years in Spokane Valley, Mark Nealand moved A1 Camera Repair to 1511 Lunceford Ave., Coeur d'Alene. He started a camera business here in 1983.

Nealand specializes in cleaning, servicing and repairing camera equipment with an emphasis on digital SLRs maintenance. He also appraises, refurbishes and sells newer and older equipment. Phone 667-8933. Email [email protected].

Here's this week's tidbits:

• Dawn Hayden has reopened Hayden Country Guest Home for assisted living at 10585 N. Reed Road, Hayden. She previously operated the home for 22 years. Phone 762-3890.

• Work has begun on a new Burger King where a Tesoro gas station was previously at 2956 Mullan Ave.

• Watch for details next week on a new Jimmy John's.

• And we're still waiting for information on the new Lucca's Italian restaurant on East Sherman.

• Contact Nils Rosdahl at [email protected]