This restaurant found a ‘perfect’ Meridian spot to expand. Where places ‘are slammed’

When Giggy D’s opened at the end of 2021, there were a couple of branding aspects to get across to curious customers.

It had taken over the decade-long home of Beef O’Brady’s at 1505 S. Eagle Road in Meridian. Like that franchise chain, Giggy D’s was a sports-loving, family-friendly restaurant and bar. But this was a local, independent concept.

Less crucial but quirky? Despite sounding like “Giggity!” — a goofy catchphrase from TV’s “Family Guy” — Giggy D’s was not a nod to that long-running show.

Fourteen months later: Missions accomplished.

Giggy D’s is now humming along — and picking up speed.

“We’re on a really good momentum with this location,” managing partner Jenny Calzaretta said.

So good that Giggy D’s is about to expand. A second bar and restaurant is on track to open by summer at 6252 N. Linder Road. That Giggy D’s will be part of the ongoing Orchard Park development at Chinden Boulevard and Linder Road, Calzaretta said.

“I think that location is just kind of perfect,” she explained. “There’s lots of residential over there. We’re just looking for something new, something fresh. Our goal is to expand. That’s what we have wanted.”

There will be minor differences between the restaurants, but the Giggy D’s concept and menu essentially will be the same.

“We’re definitely sticking with that upscale sports bar, comfortable — you can bring your family, you can bring your business, you can bring your friends,” she said. “... All the TVs.”

The bar itself will be a little bigger, too. Calzaretta sees that as a strength.

“There’s not a whole lot of sports bars out there. I know the ones that are out there are slammed all the time,” she added, acknowledging Homestead Bar and Grill and, farther away, Rudy’s Pub & Grill.

Like the original Giggy D’s, the new restaurant and bar will have a liquor license and an array of craft beers on tap. (Got a titanic thirst? You can even order a 44-ouncer at Giggy D’s.)

And the Giggy D’s pub-grub menu includes enough variety to keep most customers smiling. You’ll find loaded nachos, finger steaks, wings, tacos, fish and chips, salads and various burgers. (Make yours a Giggy Extra Biggie with a double patty and bacon.) Then savor a decadent dessert like a Cast Iron Cookie or a Skillet S’More.

Giggy D’s might find a way to launch its new Orchard Park restaurant before summer, Calzaretta admitted. “I like to set our goals big,” she explained with a laugh, before adding: “Let’s say summer.”

Either way? Her excitement is palpable.

“When the opportunity for that one opened up,” she said, “we just wanted to jump on it.”

This story was originally published February 14, 2023 at 4:00 AM.