Idaho Falls Winger's to close Saturday

An all too familiar sight? Winger's in Idaho Falls will be closing.

We confirmation today that after 14 years in Idaho Falls, and barring any intervention from the parent company, Winger's on Hitt Road will be closing Saturday.

Before you say anything, ask yourself when was the last time you ate there. As much as I liked their wings, I think my last foray was with Marty Trillhaase, the Post Register's former editorial page editor who left the newsroom for Lewiston in 2009. ("I'm heartbroken," he said, when I called him to break the news. "That was my favorite restaurant in town. What's left? The Sandpiper?")

Manager Melvin Davis said declining business and rising food costs are the reason the restaurant is closing. "It's possible that corporate could pick us up, but I don't know," he said.

The Winger's brand is owned by the Slaymaker Group of Salt Lake City. The Idaho Falls location was a franchise operation.

As a footnote, I find this link interesting -- http://wingersidahofalls.blogspot.com/ -- a blog that began on Jan. 4 this year with two posts and posted for the last time 10 days later. In April, it became certified gluten free, according to its Facebook page.

All that's left is whether I want to have a "Last Supper" there Friday night. If I do, I will be sure to Instagram a picture of my messy fingers.

Keep Britni in Africa: Saving the World One Safety P...

Going by the numbers and a few conversations I've had, there's a fair bit of interest in Britni Storer's African adventure, so I'm sharing this Aug. 26 post from her blog.

Keep Britni in Africa: Monday, August 26th: Saving the World One Safety P...: Our days are so packed with activities that I find myself trying to cram in a blogging moment to whenever I can. Our internet is so spotty, ...

You're welcome to browse all the other posts and pictures. There's some fairly extraordinary stuff there.

New restaurant, Rusios, slated for opening Sept. 4

Rusios owner Tony Blakeslee, in front of the new restaurant's free-standing gas fireplace. The restaurant is scheduled to open Sept. 4.

Rusio's, a new restaurant at 1610 E. 17th Street, will be opening Sept. 4, the Wednesday after Labor Day.

Owner Tony Blakeslee said that with people off to the Eastern Idaho State Fair the week after Labor Day is great timing for a soft opening and getting things squared away. Blakeslee's restaurant experience includes years of managing Chili's and Texas Roadhouse.

Blakeslee and his wife, Sunnie, took their inspiration for Rusio's from Zupa and Paradise Bakery in Qgden, Utah. The menu will feature soup, salad and sandwiches, all made from scratch.

Rusios has 5,600 square feet, including a banquet room that can seat up to 50 and is equipped with a full audio-visual set-up. Blakeslee said he has already booked 12 Christmas parties in the banquet room.

In the main room, there are several TV screens and a large free-standing stone fireplace. Good food is only part of what keeps a restaurant in business, he said. "You're selling an experience now."

To keep up on Rusios progress, here is a link to their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CafeRusios

Les Schwab breaks ground on new alignment center

Excavation at 930 E. 17th St., where Les Schwab Tire Center s building an alignment center.

OK, I'm back from two weeks on the East Coast, and while I tried to keep some content coming there's still no place like home. Funny thing was while I was there anytime I saw new construction my immediate reaction was to ask myself, "Wonder what's going on there?"

This morning's first order of business was to visit the city of Idaho Falls Building Department to get an answer for two BizMojo Idaho readers, Gary Mills and Chad (chado347l), who wanted to know what was happening next to Les Schwab Tire Center on 17th Street. The longtime car wash at 930 E. 17th St., has been torn down and a quick drive-by revealed dirt being dug on the .63-acre site.

Word from the city is that Les Schwab is adding on to its operation there and building a new alignment center. No word on when it will be complete, but if you look at the frame a few blocks further east where Natural Grocers is going up fast I think it's a safe bet they'll have it done before the snow flies.

Darci Davis returns to eastern Idaho AmeriTitle office

Darci Davis

After a two-year hiatus, Darci Davis has returned to the escrow team at AmeriTitle's office in Idaho Falls. After 10 years in the title and escrow Industry, Davis took a break to acquire and manage a family-run dry cleaning business, helping it turn into a successful and stable enterprise. She returns to AmeriTitle today as the escrow manager for the Idaho Falls, Rigby and Rexburg locations.

"I am excited to get back into the industry I am so passionate about, and look forward to again working with the outstanding AmeriTitle team and our customers," she said.

"Darci brings with her an in-depth knowledge of escrow, a wealth of experience and a known reputation as a leader in our industry throughout the region. We are thrilled to have her back," said Richard Hajek, general manager of the Idaho Falls AmeriTitle office.