Is this Boise’s fastest-growing chain? It just took over a familiar Meridian restaurant
Whether it’s Clucks Nashville Hot Chicken or Biscuit & Hogs, fresh Idaho restaurant brands with big dreams have come and gone in the past few years.
But one newcomer just keeps expanding.
Nara Ramen, which has four Boise locations, recently opened a fifth Treasure Valley store — in Meridian.
Nara Ramen & Sushi Bar took over the former Homestead Bar and Grill space in a strip mall at 6275 N. Linder Road. Opened in 2016, the familiar Homestead shuttered without explanation over the summer after changing ownership last year.
Nara Ramen’s menu in Meridian includes ramen, sushi, Japanese appetizers, beer, wine, sake and boba tea, according to Stephanie Nguyen, the chain’s area manager. And if you’re craving a cocktail? The new full-service restaurant also serves liquor, she said.
Want to grab fast takeout? The Meridian store offers online ordering in advance. Can’t make it down in person? The new restaurant has partnered with DoorDash for delivery, too.
Although it opened Nov. 23, the latest Nara Ramen location has racked up six Google reviews already. It’s rated 4.8 out of 5.0 stars.
“WOW. That was exactly what my body wanted,” wrote one reviewer.
“Total upgrade from the old Homestead,” declared another. “Will be eating here a lot!”
Riding a similar wave of positive feedback, Nara Ramen has expanded aggressively since its first restaurant appeared in late 2021. And not just in Boise, where it operates at 7610 W. State St., 3110 S. Bown Way, 8675 W. Franklin Road and 815 W. Bannock St. downtown. Nara Ramen also has stores in Twin Falls, Logan, Utah and Bismarck, North Dakota.
That’s, what — eight locations total?
“For now,” Nguyen said.
“We’re opening more.”
Is Nara now the fastest-growing Idaho restaurant chain? It sure feels like it.
Next up? Residents of Kuna and Burley can expect Nara Ramen restaurants in the future, Nguyen said.
