POST FALLS — Social media can be a powerful tool for businesses.

Case in point: despite the biting wind, dozens of people lined up Thursday in the Grocery Outlet parking lot for line-caught wild Alaskan cod from On The Hook Fish and Chips, a food truck that reliably draws a crowd whenever it rolls through North Idaho.

Many, including Richard Biallis and his wife, heard On The Hook was in town through a community Facebook group.

"I guess I was craving something different than the usual burgers or Mexican food," Biallis said.

Facebook also drew Peggy Michaud, another On The Hook first-timer.

"Who doesn't like fish and chips?" Michaud said with a laugh. "And I won't have to make dinner."

Since 2016, the Wyoming-based food truck franchise has served more than 5 million fish and chips meals annually, according to founder Ocean Andrew.

On The Hook has since grown into a national franchise, with trucks in more than 20 states, becoming one of the largest restaurant brands to originate in Wyoming. Andrew, who was born in Wenatchee, Wash., spent much of his youth on a commercial fishing boat captained by his father in Alaska.

Menu items include fish and chips, bacon clam chowder, “cod bites,” fresh slaw and a selection of specialty sodas. Each piece of cod is hand-battered, and every meal is made to order.

"Our focus on quality food and a great experience has been key to our success," Andrew said in part in a video posted to the company’s website.

On The Hook makes appearances in North Idaho a few times each month and has built a loyal following of repeat customers.

"There's nothing like it around here," said Harper Anderson. "We stood out in the cold for it last month, too."

On The Hook’s next North Idaho stops include Grocery Outlet in Bonners Ferry on March 5 and Tractor Supply in Kellogg on Friday, March 6.

Customers can sign up for notifications when the truck rolls into town at https://linktr.ee/OnTheHookFishandChips.

Now the TidBits

New and Upcoming

• A five-story, 173-room Hilton Dual Brand Hotel is planned for a 2.71-acre parcel of land off Lee Court and Appleway Avenue in Coeur d'Alene. The project's start and completion dates have not yet been set.

• The grand opening of Raising Cane's at 163 W. Neider Ave. is set for Tuesday, March 17.

• A new facility for One Place Church is under construction at Prairie Avenue and Huetter Road. 

• American Universal Storage is planned for Spirit Lake along Highway 41, across from the Jifi Stop.

• Crunch Fitness is taking over the former Big Lots space at 101 E. Appleway Ave., Coeur d'Alene.

• A new location for The Man Shop, a regional chain of family-owned barber shops, is under construction at Highway 41 and Prairie Avenue.

• A nomnom location is coming to 5231 W. Riverbend Ave., Post Falls. 

• Ross Point Gas Station, a fueling station and convenience store, is planned for 310 N. Ross Point Road in Post Falls.

• Coeur d’Alene–based Certified Biblical Life Coach Emily Funston is now offering 12-week life-coaching journeys through her practice, The In-Between. For more information, find her on Instagram @TheInBetweenCDA, email [email protected], or visit www.TheIn-Between.com, launching soon.

• Offering name-brand furniture at a discounted price, Furniture Now is now open at 227 W. Appleway Ave.

Ongoing Projects

• An Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU) branch location is scheduled to open later this year across from Super 1 Foods along Highway 53 in Rathdrum.

• A second Jersey Mike's restaurant is listed as "under development" at 201 W. Neider Ave. in Coeur d'Alene. An estimated opening date has not yet been disclosed.

• A new commercial building is planned for the Riverstone development at 1570 W. Tilford Lane and will bring at least one new dining option to the area. The 7,500-square-foot mixed-use building's targeted finish date is this summer.

• El Jefe's Grill in Coeur d'Alene is expanding with a new venture in Post Falls, called Jefe's Tacos and Tequila. An opening date has not yet been determined, but the restaurant is in the former Bullet Bar and Grill space.

• Les Schwab Tires is under construction at the northwest corner of Highway 41 and 16th Street in Post Falls.

• A flex space development is planned for Schrieber Way in Coeur d'Alene. Plans include six separate spaces, with one to be used directly by Atlas Building Group, the project's developer. The spaces will be located in two separate buildings and will offer approximately 2,000 to 2,300 square feet of shop space, plus an office in each unit. Construction may begin as early as spring 2026.

• The 33-unit, mixed-use "Nonna" building across from Post Falls City Hall on Spokane Street is anticipated to be completed by October of 2026. 

• Construction is also underway on Rooted Social House at 310 N. Spokane St. The project is described as "an elevated space offering food, coffee, tea and entertainment in a social house setting." A completion date for Rooted has not been announced.

• A Jiffy Stop is under construction at Highway 41 and Lancaster Road in Rathdrum.

• A state-of-the-art pickleball facility called The Flying Pickle is coming to The Pointe at Post Falls at 140 N. Beck Road. Opening is anticipated by mid-2026.

• An AutoZone auto parts shop is under construction at U.S. 95 and Dakota Avenue in Hayden, next to Dirty Birdy Car Wash.

• Spokane-based Golden Rule Brake is under construction at 3627 N. Government Way, Coeur d'Alene.

• The Habit Burger Grill is taking the place of the former Pizza Hut at 212 W. Appleway Ave. The chain, known for its "Charburgers," is eyeing an opening sometime in late spring or early summer 2026. This location will be a first for North Idaho.

• • •

Have a tip on happenings in the local business world? Contact Hailey Hill at [email protected].

    On the Hook is best known for its fresh, line-caught wild Alaskan cod.