Embroiled in lawsuit, heart ‘broken,’ Boise restaurant closes. This new one will open
After appearing to close temporarily, a longtime Boise restaurant involved in a high-profile local lawsuit has made the change permanent.
Big City Coffee & Cafe, which shuttered Aug. 11 at 1416 W. Grove St., will be replaced downtown by another familiar java brand: Caffeina.
Both businesses announced the news online.
The rebooted location, known as Caffeina Kitchen, is slated to debut Friday. The new eatery will serve breakfast and lunch that include “Big City favorites on the menu,” Caffeina promised on social media. “You will see many familiar faces hustling behind the counter, baristas baristaing and our cooks hard at work, chefin’ it up!”
On Big City’s Facebook page, owner Sarah Fendley wrote in a goodbye message that she’s “had the time of my life.” After 24 years, Big City is “not gone forever,” Fendley said, “but we/I am taking a break.”
“My heart is broken today,” she added on Big City’s website, “but I am filled with the messages and calls of love and support. Thank you!”
Weeks ago, customers at Big City were greeted by signs on the door indicating that it had closed until September because of road construction in the Linen District. But Big City noted online that the closure also was because of “outside circumstances.”
Big City is involved in a trial that began in late August. The business sued Boise State in October 2021 after filing a $10 million tort claim. Fendley alleged that the university bowed to student pressure and pushed its shop off campus because of Big City’s support of law enforcement.
Announcing the closure, Fendley wrote on Big City’s website, “The last four years have just taken a toll on me ... .”
This story was originally published September 3, 2024 at 11:22 AM.