BIZ BUZZ: Little Caesars Express opening in Rigby, Blackfoot pool discussion continues and more
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Do you want to know what’s happening on the east Idaho business scene? We’ve got you covered.
Here is a rundown of this week’s business news across the valley.
NEWS
RIGBY
New pizza joint coming to Rigby
RIGBY – Customers who frequent the Good 2 Go convenience store in Rigby have noticed some changes to the neighboring business.
The space once occupied by Fiesta Ole is now vacant, and a new restaurant is taking its place.
Ashley Sterland, the chief marketing officer for Good 2 Go stores, tells EastIdahoNews.com Little Caesar’s Express will be opening there soon.
“We think that Little Caesar’s is a great offering to the people of Rigby,” Sterland says.
Ryan Erickson, Good 2 Go’s director of food services, says Little Caesar’s Express is a different concept than a traditional Little Caesar’s restaurant. He says, for example, the express location will include a breakfast option and will not offer a specialty pizza.
“It’s all going to be hot ‘n’ ready. When the customer comes in, they should be able to get the product right out of the oven and be on their way,” says Erickson. “The idea is to get the customer what they need and out the door.”
Erickson says the menu will still include breadsticks. This will be the first Little Caesar’s Express in Idaho.
They are shooting for an opening date the first week of May.
People who enjoyed eating at Fiesta Ole still have that option. Fiesta Ole will be opening a new store on North Clark behind Broulim’s and across from where the old courthouse used to be.
Derek Mortensen, the manager of Fiesta Ole, says the new location is an improvement from the previous location. It will include a larger dining area and a self-contained parking lot. At the old location, they had to share a parking lot with Good 2 Go.
Mortensen says management is waiting on some new equipment and a heath inspection before they open.
“We are very excited to come back to Rigby in a brand new building and to be able to better serve our customers,” Mortensen says.
They are hoping to open sometime next month.
In addition, Sterland says a new Good 2 Go store is coming to Idaho Falls on Hitt and 1st next to Arctic Circle.
BLACKFOOT
City leaders asking for public’s input on Blackfoot Swimming Pool
BLACKFOOT – The city of Blackfoot is hoping to bring an end to the conversation about the fate of the Blackfoot Swimming Pool.
“We need to hear from the people of Blackfoot,” Mayor Marc Carroll told the Blackfoot Morning News. “Blackfoot needs to come to a decision about what to do about the pool.”
The city will hold an open “town hall” meeting on the swimming pool on Thursday, March 22, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Nuart Theater, at 192 N. Broadway.
In January, we reported Mayor Marc Carroll was reviewing previous reports of issues with the pool and costs attached to repairs. He has been trying to determine which repairs are crucial and which are not.
IDAHO FALLS
CEO Speaker Series – Michael Hughes, Northwest Cosmetic Labs
The following is a news release from the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce.
IDAHO FALLS – The Chamber’s CEO Speaker Series is a chance for the community to hear from some of the region’s most successful and innovative business leaders. These industry leaders participate in an intimate Q&A session where stories of innovation, challenge and triumph are shared. These insightful forums are free and open to the community. The CEO Speaker Series is a quarterly event in Idaho Falls.
We are pleased to hear from Michael Hughes, CEO of Northwest Cosmetic Labs. Michael has extensive experience leading individuals, teams and organizations to deliver outstanding results across multiple geographies and cultures. He balances strategic direction setting with hands-on problem solving. His passions include developing strong leaders and driving systemic changes to improve the bottom-line. Please join us to learn more about the successes and milestones Michael has reached throughout his career, and lessons and that have helped him along the way.
The event will be held at Snake River Landing at 3 p.m. on March 29. More details are available here.
ASHTON
Fall River Electric issues first-ever rebates to customers
The following is a news release from Fall River Electric.
ASHTON — Fall River Electric Cooperative has issued its first-ever rebate to over 14,000 owner-members of the Cooperative who received power from the utility in 2017. Fall River operates as a non-profit cooperative and as such is owned by the customers it serves. Because the coop experienced an exceptional year financially in 2017, its elected Board of Directors made the decision to issue a rebate to its owner-members.
According to Fall River Electric’s CEO/General Manager Bryan Case, “Because we manage the amount of revenue we need to operate the Cooperative very closely and operate our business as a nonprofit, we are able to offer this unique benefit to our owner-members.”
READ THE ENTIRE NEWS RELEASE HERE.
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
AMMON
New DI in Ammon exists to help people get a second chance in life
AMMON — The much-anticipated Deseret Industries in Ammon will be opening for business this week.
The non-profit thrift store chain first came to Idaho Falls in 1974 and the new location will serve more people in the community.
The 48,000 square foot building, located on 17th Street near the old Kmart building, will house 105 associates and 14 staff employees.
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BIZ BUZZ PODCAST
When a defunct business leaves you with an unused gift card
The following is a news release from the Better Business Bureau.
Last week TOYS R US announced they would be closing their stores for good, giving customers only 30 days to use their gift cards. Under normal circumstances, gift cards are valid for years – or indefinitely. The FTC regulations from 2010 declared that money on a gift card can’t expire for at least five years. However, the situation changes when a business declares bankruptcy.
When a store files for bankruptcy, payment are frozen, and creditors must file claims to get paid. Unfortunately, gift card holders can find themselves out of luck or with limited options.
It’s important to remember that when you buy a gift card, you are essentially giving the company a loan until you redeem the value. If you miss the deadline to redeem a gift card, you can file a claim for the value of the card. However, these claims are processed behind the company’s major creditors. That means you may not be reimbursed at all.
So if you do have a gift card it’s best not to hold on to it for too long. And if you hear news about a company preparing to file for bankruptcy, use it immediately.
As consumers look for gift cards to purchase there are some ways to help avoid this problem. First the if you are hearing news of a retailer’s financial condition being shaky it might be best to buy a gift card from another store. Next it is always important to look at the terms and conditions of the gift to make sure you are comfortable with what you must adhere to. Also you may see you can use that card at another business location.
Finally, purchasing gift cards with a credit card, if possible. Your credit card company may be able to help recover money lost if a business goes under. But be aware some retailers require gift cards to be purchased with cash.
For more information on gift cards and other consumer tips you can go to bbb.org.
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