Caruso's closes in Post Falls

POST FALLS - Caruso's Sandwich Co. in Post Falls closed on Thursday after four years of operation.

The business at 402 E. Seltice Way employed eight.

Other Caruso's locations in Coeur d'Alene and Hayden will remain open.

Desi Freeman, who owns the Post Falls location with husband Mike, said sagging sales are one of the reasons for the Post Falls closure.

"We just didn't have the revenue coming in to match the money we needed going out," she said, declining to specify other reasons for the closure. "I had to go into debt more and more to keep it running and robbing Peter to pay Paul wasn't working."

The deli offered a variety of soups, salads and sandwiches along with catering and online orders.

Caruso's has been a contributor in the community, assisting charities such as the Press Christmas for All, fundraisers and groups such as parent-teacher organizations. With CFA, Caruso's donates a day's profit to the program that assists locals in need.

"We've been able to bless a lot of people through this business," Freeman said. "I'd like to stay open just for the love I have for our customers and employees."

Freeman said the deli has been for sale for about a month for $240,000, but there haven't been any potential buyers.

"We don't have any other choice (but to close)," she said. "I'm asking for what I owe on it."

The Freemans have been leasing the building.

The deli was open six days a week.

James Benson of Post Falls ate at the deli a few times and hated to hear about the closure.

"It's too bad," he said. "The bread is fresh and the people are friendly. You always hate to hear about local businesses closing, but you've got to do what you've got to do."