Slates is under new management

PONDERAY — Slates Restaurant and Lounge is under new management. After a long history in Sandpoint, previous owners, Harold and Susan Smith, sold the business to Steve Coffman and Kristy Gehling.

Coffman began his career in business at a young age working in a Colorado family venture.

"Starting with one of the first convenience stores in the area before there was one on every corner," Coffman said. "Customer service was always the number one with our family business."

Coffman said that he remembers that a piece of advice that he received from his father was that "prosperity comes in many forms. You should do what you really want to do and what's in your heart."

Coffman and Harold Smith have been communicating for several years about possibly purchasing the business, and when Gehling showed interest in becoming a business partner, the deal was finalized.

"One night we visited Slates for dinner, and after a couple of sleepless nights, Kristy and I decided to make the leap from a smaller business into a full service restaurant and lounge," he said.

Coffman said that his plans as owner of Slates continues where Harold and Susan left off.

"And then to take the business a few steps forward," he said.

The hours have expanded to seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. During football season, Slates will open at 9:30 on Sundays and offer a free buffet during half-time Monday Night Football.

"The restaurant menu will continue to grow with plans to add additional seafood items, vegetarian options, and a late night choice," Coffman said. "The lounge will see most of the changes as they introduce a sports theme."

Ten 27-inch televisions and one 60-inch big screen with four satellite receivers provides the opportunity to offer customers a large range of sports entertainment.

A grand opening of Slates is set for Friday and Saturday, July 9 and 10, with comedian, singer/songwriter Kip Attaway kicking off the event.

"Kip has opened for stars like Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings," Coffman said.

Tickets are on sale and include two beverages and a courtesy shuttle for those who don't wish to drive that evening.

"It's sad to see Harold and Sue enter retirement, but it's exciting for us as we begin what we believe will be a long relationship with the communities of Sandpoint and Ponderay," Coffman said.