Refusing to ‘cry wolf,’ much-anticipated new Boise restaurant delays opening indefinitely

The folks behind Garibaldi’s Mexican Restaurant get it, OK?

They probably spoke too soon.

After announcing that Garibaldi’s was “finally coming to Boise,” the longtime regional chain drummed up more excitement by proclaiming that its debut was imminent: “October is the month, official date announcement coming soon!” Garibaldi’s wrote Oct. 1 on Facebook.

Months later, the planned eatery at 5697 W. Glenwood St. in Garden City still is not open.

And impatient Boiseans have been gettin’ hangry.

“October? So is this a trick or treat?” asked one on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

“I hope the service is faster than their opening schedule,” chided another.

“I couldn’t wait, so stopped by Garibaldi’s in Jerome a couple of weeks ago,” explained one more. “I should be able to hold on until October 2023, now.”

After absorbing the jabs silently for weeks, Garibaldi’s finally emerged recently to update the Treasure Valley.

OK, not exactly update. More like apologize — “for the lack of updates.”

“We were a bit too optimistic about the opening date and failed to deliver; maybe we truly meant October 2023 as some of you mentioned in the comments,” Garibaldi’s explained in a Dec. 6 post.

So when might the restaurant actually open?

That’s, like, nacho problem.

Garibaldi’s will open when it opens.

“We won’t be the restaurant that cried wolf and announce another opening date,” Garibaldi’s wrote. “Instead, we will provide more updates as we get them. Thank you for your continued patience!”

No additional information has been posted since.

An indefinite delay isn’t good news. But patrons are likely to forgive and forget whenever Garibaldi’s does roll out the red carpet. Idahoans clearly appreciate the brand.

Magic Valley restaurateur Jose Perez launched his first Garibaldi’s Mexican Restaurant in Twin Falls in 1994. A second then appeared in Jerome. A third, launched three years ago, operates in Elko, Nevada.

The newest Garibaldi’s, in Garden City, will be in a remodeled building where another familiar local Mexican chain closed in 2021: Chapala.

Known for generous portions — and “the best margaritas,” Perez told the Statesman earlier this year — Garibaldi’s will strive to elevate family-friendly dining aesthetics. “It’s gonna feel, like, more fancy” than its predecessor, Perez said. “It’s going to be really different — really different style.”

The Garibaldi’s menu draws from Guadalajara, Michoacán and Tex-Mex cuisines. The restaurant also has a liquor license, he said, so the bar will offer a wide array of spirits.

Online: garibaldistwinfalls.com.