Cafe 95 opens south of bridge

SANDPOINT — A new restaurant is bringing home-style cooking south of the Long Bridge — and it’s open right now.

After Long Bridge Grill closed its doors several months ago, residents had fewer options for dining on the other side of the lake. That changes today with the opening of Cafe 95, located to the left immediately after clearing the south end of the bridge.

A family business run by mother and father Frances and Rick Moreno and siblings, Bella and Junior Moreno and Sophia O’Brien, the cafe brings freshly-prepared breakfasts, lunches and dinners to lakeside dining.

“Everything is homemade completely from scratch,” Frances Moreno said.

Things have been moving quickly for the family in the past few days. They only acquired the location for the restaurant last week, and since then, it’s been nonstop work to prepare for today’s opening. They’ve completely renovated the location, with everything remodeled, repainted or whitewashed.

“We’ve got all-new machines, all-new appliances, all-new everything,” Junior Moreno said.

Cafe 95 will open for the first time at 6 a.m. today. To celebrate the debut, the Morenos will have several items on special, including Benedict Florentine, strawberry waffles, scrambles, and several muffin varieties. Freshness is the key when it comes to Cafe 95’s offerings.

Headed up by Junior Moreno, their kitchen has a distinct spin on several cafe favorites. They even make their own salsa.

The Morenos hope to keep busy and stay open well into the evening — perhaps until 9 or 10 p.m. That will likely set the standard for most days. Cafe 95 will open early and close late every day except for Sunday, when they’ll close earlier in the afternoon for a well-earned break.

Progress is coming quickly for the Morenos, who have only lived in the area for about a month. After O’Brien moved to North Idaho earlier, the family made frequent trips to visit her from their own home at the time, San Diego, Calif.

After moving here permanently, the family began searching for a restaurant location. The former Long Bridge Grill suited them perfectly.

“This is a great location,” Junior Moreno said. “There are fewer dining options south of the bridge and we have a nice location right by the water.”

With a great view and a menu to match, the Morenos are eager to make an impression on local diners.

“We’d like everyone to come out and give us a try,” Frances Moreno said.