Another one? The spendiest restaurant in downtown Boise’s food hall just closed
If you’re trolling for seafood, downtown Boise’s Warehouse Food Hall suddenly feels fished out.
Freshie’s Lobster Co. closed Saturday, according to a note posted on the counter. And, as previously reported, Paddles Up Poke’s final day was Saturday, too.
Based in Utah, Freshie’s specializes in lobster rolls. Its food hall location — the brand’s first expansion out of state — debuted in February 2023. In an email, Freshie’s owner Lorin Macri said the closure “has to do with many factors, many that I cannot discuss.”
Founded in 2009, Freshie’s strives to deliver an authentic product. The brand’s motto is “from shore to door in 24.” Maine lobsters were caught, cooked, shelled and transported to Boston, then overnighted to Boise. The result was an East Coast-style “lobstah roll” that drew plenty of positive reviews. Freshie’s also sold a crab roll, lobster bisque, New England clam chowder and a handful of other items.
Since lobster was involved, the price point was stiff. A lobster roll with 4 ounces of meat cost $27. One with 5 ounces? $32. That made Freshie’s the most expensive place to grab lunch at the Warehouse Food Hall, 370 S. 8th St. Freshie’s continues to operate in Park City and Salt Lake City.
A well-known Boise chain, Paddles Up Poke runs four locations in the Treasure Valley — with another restaurant opening soon in Eagle.
Paddles Up’s food hall location — opened in September 2022 — pulled out for various reasons, owner Dan Landucci told the Statesman. But the primary one was because it had to be open on Sundays, he said. No other Paddles Up stores are open Sundays.
Despite the two closures, at least two new vendors are lined up to fill empty slots at the food hall this summer.
Paddles Up’s former space will be taken over by Poppy Seed Bakery and Cafe. And the old Piedaho spot will become the first brick-and-mortar operation for Foy’s Franks, previously a hot dog cart.
They join an array of options at the food hall ranging from Anzalone Pizza and KB’s Burrito to Rush Bowls and Totally Toasted.
This story was originally published April 1, 2024 at 3:02 PM.