Special beverages, baked goods and a friendly atmosphere are the mainstay of The Grumpy Monkey at 2102 N. Fourth St. (the northeast corner with Hattie Avenue). The building was one of the area's first Subways and later was a pawnshop.

The goodies are baked in-house, and customers can sit at tables or on a couch or use the drive-through. Many options of coffees and espressos are available 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 7 to 7 Saturdays and Sundays. Owners are Caleb and Nicole Duke. Phone 665-5975.

Bookstore, wine to combine in Riverstone

A bookstore combining its sales with community events and wine will be the special touch of the Well-Read Moose Bookstore. The 2,700-square-foot place will open in April at 2048 Main St. in Riverstone.

Owner Melissa DeMotte said the store will have books for all ages and host both author signings and book clubs. "The wine bar will be for relaxing with a great read," she said. A former financial officer, she is originally from San Diego and came to North Idaho for the four seasons and to be near family and friends.

Hey Mike Restorations in Hayden

"Personalized, affordable service" is stressed by Hey Mike Restorations, which opened in the north end of the Tumblestone building at 13131 Government Way in Hayden.

Mike Altizer and Craig Leoni offer mechanical restorations to any vehicle (and more) and specialize in Chevy pickups. With many years of experience, the shop is open 6-11 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Phone 699-8492. Check www.heymikerestorations.com.

Big numbers at Crossroads

Businesses set to probably open in April in the new Crossroads (WinCo) Center include Subway, Starbucks, Jack-in-the-Box, Pita Pit and SuperCuts.

Here are some interesting numbers. Subway is the world's biggest fast-food chain with about 41,000 stores and 300,000 jobs in 104 countries. McDonald's has 34,700 stores. Starbucks has 18,000 stores, Jack-in-the-Box 2,200, SuperCuts 2,100 and Pita Pit 216 (starting in 1999 with its headquarters in Coeur d'Alene). More details later.

Now for this week's Tidbits:

- A new decor shop will be neighbor to the Mix It Up shop in downtown Cd'A

- The Patchwork Pony will close at the end of January or sooner at 190 W. Hayden Ave. With 25 percent off and selling re-sale and retail children's clothing and toys and baby equipment, hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and 10 to 5 Saturdays. Phone 762-7669.

- From a church bulletin: "Potluck supper 5 p.m. Sunday. Prayer and medication to follow." Another one: "Weight-Watchers meet 7 p.m. Monday. Please use the large double-door at the side entrance."

- Happy New Year to all of you. My highlights, as always, in 2013 were with a fine family, friends and co-workers in the great place of North Idaho.

- Contact Nils Rosdahl at nrosdahl@cdapress.com.