Along the Street: Nick's announces suspended operations

Nick’s Italian Café announced last week it is closing until further notice.

“We received a report indicating a significant safety hazard due to our hood vent being non-compliant and requiring immediate replacement,” the restaurant posted to its Facebook page. “We prioritized the well-being and safety of our guests, community, and employees in making this decision. This is not a farewell but rather a temporary goodbye.”

Nick’s was purchased in 2024 from the Peirano family by chef Thomas Ghinazzi, Aaron Nieman and Scott Baldwin, the team who previously operated Earth & Sea in Carlton.

The iconic restaurant was opened in 1977 by Nick Peirano. It was later run by his daughter, Carmen Peirano, and son-in-law, Eric Ferguson.

Coyote Joe’s to be featured

Coyote Joe’s in Willamina will be featured on the YouTube channel America’s Best Restaurants Roadshow from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, June 30.

The YouTube channel travels the country showcasing mom-and-pop restaurants and their recipes. The channel has more than 18,000 subscribers.

Coyote Joe’s owners Chris Deprimo and Danielle Vollman said they were surprised their restaurant had been nominated by patrons to be featured. The owners invite community members to attend the filming and be part of the breakfast and lunch crowd.

Ice cream, wine shops to open

The new ice cream and wine shops, twin businesses in the same building, are scheduled to open July 4.

Owner Scott Green said he is hoping everything will be ready that day so he can open the doors at 636 N.E. Baker St.

The ice cream machine was delivered Tuesday, along with other equipment for both the Filbert’s Scoop Shop and Hazel’s Wine Shop next door.

Filbert’s will sell 16 flavors of hard pack ice cream, all homemade, to be scooped into cones or dishes, plus two flavors of soft serve. Gluten free and vegan selections will be available, including an ice cream made with oat milk and fruit sorbets.

Customers can book parties, too, Green said. He also plans to connect with nonprofit organizations for fundraising specials.

“We want to give back as much as we can,” said Green, the father of three daughters.

His kids have been taste-testers as he’s developed his recipes, which include a Wildcat Sorbet made with strawberries and blueberries, and Grizzlies Tracks, made with chocolate-covered peanut butter balls.

Hazel’s will have about 400 bottles of wine in stock for purchase. Eight to 10 will be available by the glass. Green said he also will sell frozen rose wine, which he called “an adult slushie.”

Planned hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

Stay safe with fireworks

Fireworks are available at several stores and parking lot popups in McMinnville and other parts of Yamhill County.

Legal fireworks — those that don’t explode or fly into the air — will be available through July 6. Legal types include fountains, spinners, sparklers, snakes and ones that produce only smoke.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal is reminding Oregon residents they cannot set off flying fireworks purchased out of state. In addition, they are subject to city or park rules about where and when fireworks can be lit.

Fireworks may not be used on public lands such as Oregon beaches, parks and campgrounds; national parks; private lands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry; and properties owned by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“Before lighting any fireworks, make sure you know what’s allowed where you are,” assistant Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Mark Johnston said. “We want everyone to enjoy the holiday, but it’s critical to follow the law and avoid actions that could cause a fire or injury.”

To reduce risk, people should be prepared with a bucket of water or a hose when they set off fireworks. They should keep children and pets away and avoid areas with dry grass or flammable materials.

Used fireworks should be soaked in water before being disposed of. People should clear debris from their fireworks area, including paper and ash left on sidewalks or roads.

Chambers, Realtors host event

McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Chehalem Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Yamhill County Association of Realtors will host a joint Business After Hours on Thursday, July 9.

The event will last from 5 to 7 p.m. at Root & Rye Farm & Brewery, 10282 N.E. Abbey Road, east of Carlton.

Admission is free, but registration is requested at mcminnville.org.

No Greeters this week

The McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce and Chehalem Valley Chamber offices will be closed Friday, July 3, and no Greeters program will be held in either city.

In McMinnville, Greeters will return from 8 to 9 a.m. Friday, July 10, with a program at Miller Woods west of town.

Consider travel budget, priorities

Travel prices rose 9.8% year-over-year in May, according to the U.S. Travel Association’s May 2026 Travel Price Index. The jump was fueled by increases in automobile fuel (40.9%) and airfare (26.7%).

To help make the most of the summer travel budget, OnPoint Community Credit Union is offering tips to help local travelers.

“When you have a clear understanding of your budget and priorities, you can spend with confidence, focus on the experiences that matter most and return home knowing your finances are still on track,” said Amber Kelly, Oregon City branch manager.

OnPoint also has a branch in McMinnville. They suggest:

• Build a budget before booking. Estimate the full cost of transportation, lodging, food, activities, fees and tips. Add a 10% to 15% buffer to cover unexpected expenses without relying on credit. Consider creating a daily spending target for meals, activities and souvenirs to stay on budget throughout the trip.

• Plan food and activities in advance. Decide ahead of time where to spend, where to save, and which activities matter most. Lodging with a kitchen or refrigerator, packed snacks, grocery stops and free or lower-cost activities can all stretch a travel budget.

• Compare the cost of flying vs. driving. Airfare increased 26.7% year-over-year in May, according to the U.S. Travel Association, but driving isn’t necessarily the cheaper option. Compare the costs of each before finalizing plans, including airfare, gas, parking, baggage fees, rental cars, tolls, airport transfers and local transportation.

• Avoid taking on vacation debt you cannot quickly repay. Credit cards can offer convenience, rewards and fraud protection, but carrying a balance can make a trip significantly more expensive after interest. Set a spending limit before leaving.

• Protect your finances before and during travel. Set up card alerts, know how to freeze or replace a card, bring a backup payment method and check whether foreign transaction fees apply before traveling internationally.

• Consider adjusting plans. Shortening vacations or staying closer to home can help summer travel fit a budget. Traveling midweek or shifting departure dates by a few days can also help reduce transportation and lodging expenses.