Local restaurateur excited for his next endeavor
By Jillian Chandler
Photo by Cameron Barnes Photography
It was 2009 when Café Trinity began to outgrow its space on Sandpoint’s First Avenue, which turned out to be ideal timing for the restaurant and its owners, as the lease was soon set to expire. And as fate would have it, an incredible location in the heart of City Beach became available—and Trinity at City Beach was born. “City Beach is one of Sandpoint’s greatest, most underutilized assets in our community,” says Justin Dick, owner of Trinity at City Beach. “It’s been an amazing ride to serve the locals, tourists and, in some cases, the wildlife, and play host to some of the most memorable gatherings and nonprofit events.”
In September 2022 (originally scheduled for September 2021), the Best Western, in which Trinity at City Beach currently resides, is set to be torn down. Though this will end one chapter of the Dicks’ legacy, it has prompted the start of a new chapter. Justin and wife Shaunavee recently purchased the 113 Main Street location in downtown Sandpoint, which will be home to a new restaurant.
While Trinity will remain open (and is set to return to City Beach once the hotel rebuilds), they are moving forward with their new eatery, and it will open as a separate concept to its sister restaurant; the name still yet to be determined.
Nearly everything on the menu will be fresh and new; that is, until they absorb Trinity once it closes its kitchen for the final time. What will remain the same is much of the staff, according to Justin. “We have an unbelievable opportunity to cross-train staff among both locations and move staff freely between the two restaurants as events pop up and business volume changes for each locale.”
The new—emphasis on new—restaurant will be a great relief to Justin and his team, as everything will be new! New floor. New kitchen. New equipment. New bar. “I’ve been putting band-aids on mortal wounds for the better part of six years at Trinity in anticipation of the building teardown—and I’m out of band-aids,” he reflects.
Guests can expect a space that is warm, cozy, open and inviting, with a touch of rustic and modern. The restaurant will seat between 75 and 80 guests and will include ample bar seating as well as outdoor dining.
Justin and Shaunavee are dedicated to creating a dining destination that will appeal to everyone. “Our favorite part of having Trinity at City Beach is the wide reach of customers we have served from all walks of life and backgrounds, locals and tourists, and the many newcomers to the area,” smiles Justin. “We aim to have inclusive food and beverage services for everyone; the overall experience will be defined by the customer, not us.
“We learned many years back that the customers will help refine your services, but ultimately, we are responsible for providing great service and the highest quality products at affordable prices.”
Having been a part of the restaurant industry for more than a decade, Justin is grateful for the opportunity that has been afforded him to be a part of the community as a person, volunteer and business owner. “My wife and I are eternally grateful for the support of this community and our staff. We’ve always tried to live by the motto, ‘Give back to the community that has given so much to you.’”
Trinity at City Beach
58 Bridge Street
Sandpoint, Idaho 83864
208.255.7558