Everyone keeps asking: "What's with Cracker Barrel?"

I wish I knew. Supposedly they're going to build a restaurant in the area between Appleway, Ramsey Road and I-90. But first they have to buy or lease the property, and a Realtor won't confirm that. Then they have to file and get approved a project review with the city. But they haven't done that although the city people have heard they will.

And the media relations people at Cracker Barrel in Tennessee won't confirm anything either. Meanwhile, however, they have an ad for a restaurant manager in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Two other restaurants

In another "meanwhile, however," the project reviews for two other restaurants in the same area have been approved.

Ironically, their media relations people haven't confirmed anything so all we have is the project review paperwork and the restaurants' websites for information.

The place closest to the Appleway-Ramsey Road intersection is a 5,008-square-foot building to house Native Grill & Wings Restaurant. The website has a huge menu of tremendous variety.

It started in 1978 by New Yorkers who moved to Arizona and has locations in about six states - with one "coming soon" to Missoula. (Oh, oh. Another Cracker Barrel connection.) The project review says it will have seasonal seating and serve alcohol. Check www.nativegrillandwings.com.

With the same "owner" on its project review, the second place is just to the east of Native Grill off Lee Court. It's a 3,583-square-foot building for Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Restaurant.

With the menu basically in the business title (and maybe leaning more toward fast food), Freddy's base in Kansas City and has 161 outlets in 23 states. Check www.freddysfrozencustard.com.

Northern Highlights to Riverstone

With its opening planned for Tuesday, Northern Highlights Salon is moving to 20962 Main St. in Riverstone from 8475 Government Way.

In the hair industry for 28 years, owner Sue Hanson-Madsen specializes in hair color, color weaves, Ombre colors, facial waxing, permanent waves and straightening and specialty styles - all for women, men and kids.

Northern Highlights offers retail lines for hair and skin care. Sue also is a hair color educator. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 10 to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Phone 699-1705.

Hagadone Directories moves

Publishing nine regional phone directories, Hagadone Directories has moved to 201 N. Second St. (the Lakeside corner of The Coeur d'Alene Press building) from 102 E. Wallace Ave., where it was since 1991.

The publications cover areas in North Idaho, Northwest Montana, Eastern Washington, Northern California and parts of Oregon. Key people are Kim Maksen (replacing Jim Hail as founder and publisher since his retirement in February), Craig Gottschalk, business manager, and Bill Carlson, sales manager.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Phone 667-8704. Check www.eztouse.com/theblackbook.

Landmark Storage building

About 100 storage units 14 feet wide and 40 and 45 feet long are being built at 3119 N. Second St. (a new southern extension behind Little Caeser's Pizza off Neider Avenue).

Landmark Storage owners Chad Oakland and Dan Stubbs are taking questions and reservations at email landmarkcda@gmail.com. With security gates and codes, the place should be open by November.

Now for the Tidbits

- What's with the "Coming Soon" sign on the little house across from Capone's in Hayden?

- Watch for news on Danaan's Deli, Stir Drink & Enjoy and Potlatch Credit Union, Grill from Ipanema moving to Riverstone, Northwest Realty Group moving to Government Way, Consign Furniture moving from Post Falls to Liberty Lake, Grease Monkey opening on Seltice in Post Falls and Freedom Burritos opening in the old Susie's Kitchen spot off Highway 95.

- Lava Dog closed in Hayden.

- Right on my 70th birthday in June, I got a letter from Yates Funeral Home suggesting that I "start planning." Well, evidently their honcho Dexter Yates turns 70 tomorrow so I'm offering to write his obituary. Heh, heh. That's how I met him as 35 years ago; I wrote obits for The Cd'A Press. And we played tennis.

- Speaking of sports. today the Cherry Hill/15th Street courts host the finals of a huge pickleball tournament. More than 210 participating. It's my new sport.

- Other cool events lately include the North Idaho Fair, the Saturday Farmers Market Happy Hour and the Parade of Homes.

While I helped in the NIC booth at the fair, one fine lady told me she was a 4-Her when the fair was at what now is McEuen Park in the 1950s, and she rode her horse around what is now Tubbs Hill.

In the Parade of Homes I notice most new places have three garages. Hmm. One ought to have a taller entry for camper trailers, tall boats, etc.

- The "Northwest Boulevard" exit off I-90 also ought to say "Ramsey Road" as that's the way we're growing.

- Contact Nils Rosdahl at nrosdahl@cdapress.com.