Seasons makes downtown debut

COEUR d'ALENE - Located in a prime location downtown at Second Street and Lakeside Avenue, Seasons of Coeur d'Alene Fresh Grill & Bar opened in time for the Fourth of July.

Summer holiday revelers were among the first to explore the casually sophisticated dining room, patio and bar for "grown-ups."

"We are extremely excited to open the doors to a restaurant that offers so much for the local community and visitors," says Don "Pepper" Smock, co-owner of the restaurant.

Seasons is a full-service restaurant with a dining room that seats 100 guests.

The colorful lounge is anchored by a 25-seat "U-shaped" bar, serving signature martinis, special cocktails, beer and wine. The bar seats more than 100, with additional space for patrons at the piano bar, patio and fireside lounge with its comfortable seating and fireplace.

Seasons also features a separate banquet or meeting room, which can accommodate 50 guests.

Smock said he planned to create a place that would draw more people downtown.

"This is good for everybody," Smock said. "We're happy to be a part of the enhancement of downtown."

He anticipates that many of his customers will be people who don't regularly visit downtown for dining or drinks.

Seasons provides the perfect ambiance for business or casual lunches, romantic dinners, family gatherings, socializing with friends, private group celebrations or corporate events.

"Our goal was to create a venue where people could enjoy great meals made from the highest quality ingredients, paired with an extensive wine and martini list in a fun and welcoming atmosphere," Smock said.

Smock said 70 local people were hired to work at Seasons part and full time in the 9,000-square-foot grill and bar. The building is owned by Smock, a longtime Coeur d'Alene resident, and his wife, Midge.

Patricia Krug, co-owner of Seasons, said, "We also wanted to put an emphasis on superior service. Our staff has been trained with a very guest-centric approach."

General manager Nancy White said nearly 1,000 people were interviewed for the 70 employee spots.

White previously managed Beverly's at The Coeur d'Alene Resort. She also has managed restaurants in Seattle and California.

Smock purchased the one-third acre property after the Oldsmobile and Cadillac dealership relocated to U.S. 95.

In 2010, when operators of a brew pub opted not to renew their lease, the door was opened for another business.

"I believe this is an important downtown corner, and for 25 years I have dreamed of creating something of greater value here," Smock said. "My hope is that we have accomplished that by making a major improvement in what was once a dysfunctional older building."

Ginno Construction Co. was the general contractor on the remodel.

A clean, modern and energy-efficient kitchen was created by adding 1,000 square feet of floor space to the existing building.

The interior designer is Ron Thompson, of Hayden Lake.

The executive chef, Scott Miller, was the executive sous chef at Northern Quest Resort & Casino prior to joining Seasons.

For Seasons, Miller has crafted a roster of traditional favorites like peppered bistro steak, a Kobe pub burger, short rib pasta and seasonal specials. He has infused them with the signature style that has earned him accolades and a loyal following across the region.

Seasons of Coeur d'Alene Fresh Grill & Bar

n Hours: Open daily, lunch 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., dinner from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., bar menu until 11 p.m., bar until midnight

n Internet: www.seasonsofcda.com

n Phone: (208) 664-8008