Popeyes reported coming to area, the question is where?

Here's a box of Popeye's Wicked Chicken. It looks scrumptious!

I’ve always had fun playing detective, but this is a story in which you may have to draw your own conclusions — at least for now.

Making my rounds at the city of Ammon office Thursday, I asked City Planner Ron Folsom, whether there was anything new, especially at Sandcreek Commons, a widespread spot of interest. He told me about the site plan for “Pad E,” the lot on Sunnyside Road between two banks, D.L. Evans and Zions.

No business has been designated for the pad, but judging by the shape of the building and the fact that there is a drive-thru lane going around it, one might deduce that it is going to be a fast-food establishment.

I know better than to ask the developers, Ball Ventures and Woodbury Corp., what is being planned for the ground. It’s their policy to let the business owners make announcements.

Early Thursday evening, I got an e-mail from one of my most reliable news sniffers, Gary Mills, who runs the testing center at Eastern Idaho Technical College. Attached was a link to a TV story out of Twin Falls about Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen coming there.

This is the link: Famous fried chicken restaurant making its way to the Magic Valley.

“The television story says that Pocatello and Idaho Falls are next.  Where?” he asked.

If I were a Magic 8 Ball, I might answer, “Signs point to Sandcreek Commons.” As it stands, I am waiting for an answer from Norcal Cajun Foods, the Bay Area company quoted in the story, which has already opened Popeyes in Boise and Nampa.

EITC Foundation nominated for nonprofit award

The Eastern Idaho Technical College Foundation has been nominated for the Idaho Nonprofit Center’s Excellence Award.  

“We know that nonprofits make a difference in communities across Idaho every day and these awards recognize the contribution of the nonprofit sector.” said Janice Fulkerson, the center’s executive director.

EITC Foundation is one of nearly 100 organizations nominated. Six of the organizations will be honored at the Nonprofit Excellence Awards Dinner on Sept. 15 during the center’s annual conference at Boise State University.

The EITC Foundation was established in 1992 to develop positive community relationships, provide scholarship opportunities and support college initiatives.  Earlier this year the awarded nearly $200,000 in scholarships at its annual scholarship ceremony. Its most recent fund-raiser, The Great Race for Education, raised over $45,000 for scholarships.

“This community is the only reason we are successful.” said Natalie Hebard, the foundation’s executive director. “We are also extremely fortunate to have 19 wonderful volunteer board directors with a passion for education and helping student achieve their academic goals.”

Majestic Auto Body receives certification

Majestic Auto Body and Glass, 1456 N. 25th East, has been officially certified by Assured Performance, a non-profit consumer advocacy organization specializing in the automotive collision repair market.

Assured Performance works with top automakers to identify, audit and promote collision repair providers that meet best-in-class business standards — maintaining the right tools, equipment, training, and facility necessary to repair Automaker brand vehicles according to the manufacturer's specifications.

In achieving this certification, Majestic becomes part of a worldwide network. According to a press release, less than 5 percent of body shops across the nation are able to meet the stringent requirements to become officially certified and recognized. In Idaho Falls, Dan’s Collision Repair is the only other body shop with the certification.

Majestic is also officially recognized by GM, FCA, Ford, and Nissan.

Advertising Federation plans summer mixer

The Idaho Falls Advertising Federation club mixer will be held on Thursday from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Keefer's Island Patio, at the Shilo Inn.

Club members, sales managers, art directors and marketing directors are invited. There will be free appetizers and door prizes.  A drawing for several Eastern Idaho State Fair concert tickets will be held at 6 pm.

Discounted club memberships will be available. Call 569-9468 for more information.

Cellar plans celebration this weekend

At the corner of 17th Street and Ammon Road, The Cellar has been under new management since the beginning of this year.

Under new management since the beginning of the year, The Cellar, 3520 E. 17th St., will be having a celebration Friday and Saturday featuring small plate specials, live music, wine tasting, free desserts and appetizers. Doors open at 5 p.m. each evening.

“I am very excited to have both old and new customers alike come in and try out our new menu, new specials and get reacquainted with some of their old favorites,” said Bryan Hewett, the new owner. “I would like to see The Cellar become the locals’ favorite place to go for all occasions, from just a night out to celebrating new marriages, birthdays and more.”

Scott Hinschberger’s vision for The Cellar dates back to the late 1980s, but it wasn’t until 2004 that he opened it with his son, Bryan Hinschberger.

In January this year, Hinschberger sold the restaurant to Hewett, a Treasure Valley native who discovered a passion for food at a young age. He attended Boise State University where he obtained his degree in culinary arts.

The Cellar seats over 100 people, and can provide banquet and catering services for weddings, receptions, parties, and nearly any celebration of life. Hewett and his staff can cater any event within a 200 mile radius.