xCraft makes a move south
Moving from Sandpoint to 313 E. Sherman Ave., xCraft develops and builds small, powerful flying machines (drones).
The goal is to revolutionize drones through innovation and purposeful growth with its X PlusOne and PhoneDrone Ethos.
Available for purchase, high-speed XPlusOne flies up to 60 mph, taking off and landing vertically, and includes an autonomous mode to preprogram flight plans, flying the flight plan and returning home.
Now in the development phase, PhoneDrone Ethos allows Smart Phones to fly. Completion should be in August or September and can be preordered on the website www.xcraft.io.
An electrical and aerospace engineer, JD Claridge started xCraft in 2014 and led the company on ABC’s Shark Tank. With a background in operations and finance, Coeur d’Alene native Andrew Cook started the world’s largest crypto-currency hedge fund. A graduate of Eastern Washington University and with six years experience in China, Grant Pemberton is the production manager.
In the lower level of the building, hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. With nine employees and looking for engineering interns, xCraft assembles and test flies the drones here. The company wants to help teach children about robotics, drones and entrepreneurship. Phone 665-1353.
Chipotle Mexican
Grill opens Thursday
Mexican specialties, salads and vegetarian options are offered at Chipotle Mexican Grill, which opens Thursday at 305 W. Appleway (between Tomato Street and Walgreens).
With about 30 employees, the restaurant seats 75 customers inside and 35 (seasonably) outside. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Founded in 1993 in Denver, Chipotle has more than 1,900 restaurants in five countries. Check www.chipotle.com.
Numerica opening
Post Falls branch
The Post Falls branch of Numerica Credit Union will open soon in Highlands Crossing Shopping Center at Highway 41 and Mullan Avenue (in the former Noodles Express space).
The seven employees are trained to assist members with deposits, withdrawals, new accounts and loans. The branch includes a tech bar, kid station, refreshment bar and 24-hour drive-through.
Opening 75 years ago as Spokane Railway Credit Union, Numerica joined CdA Teachers Credit Union in 2004 and has 18 outlets, more than 114,000 members and $1.5 billion in assets in the Inland Northwest. Other local outlets are near Fred Meyer in Coeur d’Alene (off Highway 95) and at 8370 N. Cornerstone Drive in Hayden.
Check www.numericacu.com.
Panera Bread to
Burger King space
Stressing “clean ingredients,” Panera Bread will be in a new building in the southwest corner of Prairie Shopping Center (at Highway 95 and Prairie Avenue) in the early fall. It will replace the now-closed Burger King building.
Although changing names with its growth a few times, Panera Bread began in 1981 and has 1,946 outlets in 46 states. It offers breads, breakfasts, soups, salads, paninis, sandwiches, kids meals and catering.
Now for the Tidbits
n Watch for news soon on Christmas at the Lake moving and Mill River Rustic Furniture coming into downtown, Ace Hardware in Rathdrum, Monet Floors & Home Design on Government Way and Real Deals on Home Decor on Fourth Street.
n Grandson Max (4) and I were sad to see Burger King and its play area closing in Hayden. We had good times there. Once he disappeared, and a woman came in from outside and said, “There’s a little blond boy in the parking lot.” I ran to get him and asked why he was there. He said “...to see the wheels.” After that I sat by the door.
n A whole “comprises” or “is composed of” its parts. “Compliment” is a positive commentary, and “complement” means to complete or add to.
n Last week I wrote that the word “pink” on women’s clothing was for the defeat of breast cancer. It’s actually a brand name for Victoria’s Secret. Oops.
n Rename the bathroom the “jim” instead of the “john.” Then you can say you go to the jim every day.
n A real headline: “Most of Australia’s imports come from overseas.”
n Broken pencils are pointless.
n Contact Nils Rosdahl at nrosdahl@cdapress.com.