About 60 different teas to help customers discover the perfect cup of tea to start their day with healthy energy, provide mid-day motivation and finish the day peacefully are available at the Gaiwan Tea House now open at 901 N. Fourth St.

Built in 1910, the old house formerly was Rustic Romance gift shop and an antique store. Customers can relax there or get tea to go. A back room can hold groups. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Owners Matt and Snowy Kaufmann have researched fine organic and natural loose leaf teas and herbal infusions that are pleasing to the palate and grown in healthy and natural ways. They have LaTeas (tea and steamed milk beverages), chai tea, Japanese matcha tea, boba or bubble tea (all hot or iced), fresh pastries, tea-infused chocolate truffles and in the future small breakfasts, lunches and snacks.

Phone 755-5385. Check www.gaiwanteahouse.com.

New Zip’s for Post Falls

Zip’s Drive-In has an interesting start. The first Zip’s was actually started by a fellow named Zip in 1953 in Kennewick, Wash. And “zip” then became a verb as it developed one of the first drive-throughs so customers could “zip” through — real fast food.

Zip’s now has more than 40 outlets in the Inland Northwest, including what will be 10 in North Idaho. No. 10 is under construction at 1645 E. Seltice Way in Post Falls.

Opening in the spring, the 2,200-square-foot business will feature all the Zip’s classics — Papa Joes, belly busters, double-cheese and bacon burgers, combos with fries and sauces, chicken strips, cod, soft drinks, milkshakes and soft-serve ice cream.

Owners Garry and Karin Fowler and Daryl and Kelsey Wilder have six Zip’s locations. Check www.zipsdrivein.com.

Verdis Northwest moves

Verdis Northwest offers private consulting in planning, design, engineering and construction. In Coeur d’Alene since 2007, the company moved to Suite 205 in the Parkside Building at 601 E. Front St. from 311 E. Coeur d’Alene Ave.

Key people are Sandy Young, president and principal planner; Stephanie Blalack, senior planner, and Stephanie Koch, Merle Van Houten and Molly Mazzuca.

Hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Phone 667-1214. Check www.verdisnw.com.

Nexus Financial opens

All types of lending options are available at Nexus Financial now open at 714 W. Appleway.

“We’re a full service finance company offering fast, affordable and convenient lending options,” said Justin Ahern, manager. “If you have trouble obtaining a loan through a bank or credit union, we are the best source with reasonable rates of interest.”

Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fridays. Roxanne Rash is lead customer account specialist. Phone 664-3277 or 664-2579. Check www.personalloansnorthidaho.com.

Now for the Tidbits

- Fourth Street just blocks north of downtown will get more lively with new businesses of China Inn Cafe, Floors on Fourth, Great Escapes Espresso II and Real Deals on Home Decor coming in soon.

- Also watch for news on The Labrador Store & More in The Plaza Shops and a boutique yoga place downtown, a huge industrial park to be developed west of Post Falls, Intermax moving to Mineral Drive and McAllister Technical Services going to East Sherman.

- Directions such as “Go northwest to Rathdrum” are lowercase. But places such as “in the Northwest” are capitalized.

- A real headline: “City unsure why sewer smells.”

- Contact Nils Rosdahl at nrosdahl@cdapress.com.