Digest this, Boise: Here are 58 restaurants that closed in the Treasure Valley in 2024
It’s no secret that the restaurant business can be challenging.
But when you start compiling closures in the Treasure Valley from the past year?
Your stomach almost hurts.
Dining spots began going dark as soon as 2024 arrived. And they’ll keep disappearing right up until Idaho celebrates New Year’s Eve. (We’re talking about you, Richard’s. Pop that cork!)
As you scan this article, try to maintain a healthy appetite. Because no matter how many Boise eateries bid farewell, eager new ones always emerge.
O’Crab Cajun Seafood
From 1998 until 2020, McGrath’s Fish House operated at 1749 S. Cole Road at the Boise Spectrum. O’Crab Cajun Seafood, which took over in 2021, had a shorter lifespan. Around the start of the year, O’Crab disappeared and the restaurant transitioned into Country Bay Bistro. O’Crab still operates a Nampa location.
Bonefish Grill
In January, the Bang Bang Shrimp went silent in downtown Boise. Bonefish Grill, 855 W. Broad St., closed. The chain restaurant had been there since spring of 2008.
Gino’s Italian Ristorante
After nearly three decades in the Treasure Valley, Gino’s Italian Ristorante, 3015 W. McMillan Road in Meridian, shuttered in January. Owner-chef Gino Vuolo first opened it in downtown Boise in early 1997, then moved it near the intersection of Ten Mile and McMillan roads in 2009. Vuolo died in 2022. Economic challenges forced the decision to close, according to a statement from the owners — the Vuolo family and Jimmy Gadson.
Cucina di Paolo
Known for its home-style Italian cuisine — and for Betty the Washerwoman, a mechanized Boise icon, toiling high above it — Cucina di Paolo, 1504 S. Vista Ave., decided to shut its doors in April. Mary Jean Wegner opened the restaurant in 2007 with her husband, Paul, in the former Maytag Laundry building. After Paul died unexpectedly in 2020, Mary Jean and their oldest son, Rob, reopened it.
Juniper
After a decade on downtown Boise’s popular 8th Street entertainment corridor, restaurant and bar Juniper, 211 N. 8th St., called it quits. The lease had expired, owner-operator Kacey Montgomery said. Montgomery and his wife, Shannon Lincoln, operate another Boise restaurant, Red Bench Pizza, at 1204 S. Vista Ave.
Trailside Bakery Cafe
Despite many glowing online reviews, Trailside Bakery Cafe announced that it would close at 2919 W. State St. by the end of the February. “Breaks my heart to share the news,” the breakfast and coffee destination posted on Instagram. Trailside’s demise spelled the end for its next-door gift shop, too: Sagebrush Collaborative at 2913 W. State St.
Calle 75 Street Tacos
After a decade at The Village at Meridian, the locally owned Mexican restaurant brand closed its 250-square-foot spot. The decision allowed owners Mike and Rosie Weems to focus on the flagship downtown Boise location at 110 N. 11th St., plus catering and events.
In mid-December, they also closed the Boise restaurant for dine-in service — but only temporarily. (Catering and events continue.) After making improvements, the Weemses hope to reopen the restaurant to customers in February with a new quick-service model.
Alchemist Coffee
Opend in fall of last year, java cafe Alchemist Coffee, 620 W. Idaho St., served its final customer in March. The reason? “Just didn’t have the business to make the downtown rent pencil,” co-owner Kris Price said in a message at the time, adding that, “downtown is tough right now.” It’s been replaced by a cocktail spot called Bar Please. A Boise-based chain, Alchemist Coffee still operates locations at 10650 W. Overland Road, 2701 W. Stewart Ave. and at Clubhound dog park in Garden City.
Senor Fresh
After 29 years, quick-service Mexican restaurant Senor Fresh said goodbye at 12375 W. Chinden Blvd. Local owners Paul and Julia Provost decided that they’d reached retirement age. In September, El Tesoro’s Tortas and Tacos took over the strip-mall restaurant space.
Carl’s Jr.
Stop the presses! A chain restaurant closed? Yo, this was Boise’s first-ever Carl’s Jr. Opened in 1999 at 226 S. Broadway Ave., it even shared space for a time with Kenny Rogers Roasters. (Remember that brand?) The Broadway closure followed the demise last year of another longtime Carl’s Jr. at 4999 W. Glenwood St.
Shari’s Cafe & Pies
In December, Shari’s closed at 8121 W. Chinden Blvd., near the busy intersection with Glenwood Street. The Garden City restaurant had been open for more than 30 years, according to a note on the door. And it wasn’t the only location that went dark in 2024. Other shuttered Shari’s restaurants in the Treasure Valley included 8521 W. Franklin Road near Boise Towne Square mall and 1807 Caldwell Blvd. in Nampa. Shari’s remains open at 895 S. Progress Ave. in Meridian.
Zen Baja
When Zen Baja opened in a remodeled version of the old Naked Fins building at 1120 S. Broadway Ave., the idea was that it could be the start of a new local chain. Nope. Serving bowls, sushi rolls and tacos, the Asian fusion concept lasted less than a year. “Thank you for all the memories,” the restaurant wrote on social media. “Farewell, friends.”
Lulu’s Pizza
To be clear: The original Lulu’s Pizza & Sushi — a staple for roughly two decades on Bogus Basin Road — continues to pump out New York-style pies. But the expansion pizzeria that opened at 2475 S. Apple St. is done. That on-again-off-again location initially opened in 2021, closed in 2023, then reopened months later before finally shuttering permanently.
Homestead Bar & Grill
One of the Boise area’s most obnoxiously awesome bloody marys is now a memory. After dazzling the Treasure Valley with its Mega Mary for years, Homestead Bar & Grill, 6275 N. Linder Road, closed its doors. The strip-mall watering hole had changed ownership in 2016. Local chain Nara Ramen & Sushi Bar recently opened in the space instead.
Twigs Bistro & Martini Bar
One of the original anchor restaurants at The Village at Meridian, Twigs closed over the summer. The end came “with great disappointment,” the regional chain wrote online. With the lease coming to an end, Village owner CenterCal Properties made the decision to go a different tenant. The new restaurant, North Italia, is slated to open by June. It describes itself as a “neighborhood Italian restaurant concept.”
Deja Brew Bistro
After planning a summer “grand reopening” party, the Meridian restaurant suddenly announced that it would close instead in July. Deja Brew had operated at 112 E. Idaho Ave. for seven years. Serving elevated tacos and tapas, Las Calaveras quickly replaced it in September.
Bodovino
After an 11-year run, Bodovino wine bar and restaurant called it quits at 404 S. 8th St. in downtown Boise. Launched in 2013, Bodovino was a popular hangout for wine lovers. Customers perused a sea of choices on the wall, inserted a card preloaded with credit, then watched automated deliciousness flow from self-serve taps. In September, Kichii Sushi & Spirits took over the spot. Meanwhile, Bodovino’s other location remains open at The Village at Meridian.
Flatbread Neapolitan Pizzeria
Flatbread is no more. In a blink-of-an-eye transition, the longtime Flatbread Neapolitan Pizzeria at 3139 S. Bown Way was shuttered and reopened as Ti Amo Italian Ristorante. It wasn’t long before the only other Flatbread remaining — at 6700 N. Linder Road in Meridian — also did a concept flip, reinventing itself as Nick’s Italian Ristorante. Both restaurants had been purchased by Idaho-based Torro Restaurant Group. (Operator of popular Boise restaurant Barbacoa and more.)
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
The Treasure Valley is down to a single Dickey’s after multiple locations closed this year. Fans of the chain’s slow-smoked brisket said goodbye to restaurants at 12 N. Fisher Park Way in Eagle (now a Janet’s Cafe), 16565 N. Marketplace Blvd. in Nampa, 6708 N. Glenwood St. in Garden City and 2845 E. Overland Road in Meridian. Dickey’s continues to operate a franchise location in Star.
Shi Sushi & Spirits
After marketing itself as Caldwell’s only sushi spot, Shi Sushi, 521 Main St., announced that it was closing in July. Speaking on behalf of the staff, owner Tabitha Hutchison wrote on social media that it’s “been an honor to serve the Caldwell community for the last 4 1/2 years.”
Peking Tokyo Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar
Opened in 2023 in the Idaho Asian Plaza at Cole and Ustick roads, this restaurant offered a large variety of moderately priced dishes for lunch and dinner. The cuisine ranged from Chinese and Japanese to Thai. But it didn’t last. “Offering a fiery and flavorful dining experience,” Mala House recently replaced it. The new eatery at 3027 N. Cole Road specializes in ”traditional Sichuan hot pot and spicy Chinese cuisine.”
Big City Coffee
While involved in a high-profile local lawsuit, a longtime Boise restaurant decided to shutter. Big City Coffee & Cafe closed at 1416 W. Grove St. and was replaced by another familiar java brand, Caffeina. In 2021, Big City owner Sarah Fendley sued Boise State. After a trial that ended in the fall, she was awarded $4 million in damages, the Statesman reported, because the university ended “the school’s deal that brought a Big City cafe to campus.”
Poppy Seed Bakery and Cafe
A neighborhood destination, Poppy Seed went dark unexpectedly at 3910 W. Hill Road. Describing the situation as unfortunate in a note on its website, Poppy Seed said it was “forced to close ... abruptly.” Poppy Seed had operated in the spot since 2016, albeit under different ownership. The Hill Road bakery’s demise happened as Poppy Seed was launching a third location at the Warehouse Food Hall, 370 S. 8th St., in downtown Boise. Poppy Seed also runs a campus operation at Boise State’s Micron Business and Economics Building.
Amaru Confections
A dependable Boise Bench source for wedding and specialty cakes, cupcakes and other treats, Amaru Confections shuttered at 217 S. Roosevelt St. Owner Kathie Luna posted on Instagram that it wasn’t “the end of the story for Amaru. While I am taking a break to focus on myself and spend more time with family and friends, I will be back to continue baking some delicious treats for you all in the next chapter of Amaru.”
House of Western
After a three-year run, House of Western pulled the plug at 610 W. Idaho St. in downtown Boise. Launched in 2021 as Western Proper, the 10,500-square foot space rebranded last year as House of Western. Then, in a July overhaul, it split into three separate restaurant concepts: House of Western, fine dining restaurant Due West, and bistro/bar The National. All three closed in October. House of Western was a sister operation to Western Collective, a brewery and tap room that continues to operate in Garden City at 111 W. 33rd St.
Huck House Brunchette
Opened in 2021 at 7135 W. State St. in Garden City, the locally owned Idaho restaurant specialized in breakfast, coffee and what it called “adulting” — mimosas and bloody marys. A sister restaurant, Blue Bench Brunchette, continues to operate in Boise at 4218 W. Overland Road.
Chicago Connection
Local pizza chain Chicago Connection closed its store at 1545 E. Iron Eagle Drive in Eagle. The pizzeria shared the news preemptively on its website, letting customers know that it would “be leaving this location effective Sept. 16.” Other locations remain open at 310 N. 4th St. and 7070 W. Fairview Ave. in Boise, 1935 S. Eagle Road and 1752 W. Cherry Lane in Meridian, and 523 12th Avenue Road in Nampa.
Bistro d’Helene
After roughly a year of business, the French-inspired restaurant closed at 808 W. Fort St., next to the Boise Co-op. It had faced possible eviction, Ada County court records showed, before an agreement was reached and Bistro d’Helene exited the space.
Apericena
A sister restaurant to Bistro d’Helene, Apericena also shuttered. Describing itself as “a casual, upscale European restaurant,” it had debuted in 2022. But Apericena’s reputation took a hit earlier this year when workers claimed they weren’t being paid, generating media coverage. The drama didn’t end there. Apericena’s closure was followed by a legal battle between the restaurant owner and property owner.
Biscuit & Hogs
Local chain Biscuit & Hogs flat-out vanished in 2024. That included the original location at 2032 E. Overland Road in Meridian, the flagship destination at 6192 N. Linder Road, and the out-of-state expansion store in Ogden, Utah. Opened in 2020 in a former Original Sunrise Cafe, Biscuit & Hogs was known for all-day breakfast and ample portions. In December, media reported that owner Boomer Godsill faced various lawsuits involving restaurant-related financial obligations.
Chinatown’s Quik-Wok Restaurant
A local chain, Quik-Wok continues to operate locations in Boise and Kuna. But the restaurant at 3055 E. Fairview Ave. in Meridian closed. (Perhaps mercifully, based on recent unpleasant Google reviews.) “We would like to express our gratitude to all of our devoted customers for their support over the past 23+ years,” Quik-Wok wrote on a note on the door, “it has been an amazing journey.”
Squeeze In
Squeeze In squeezed its way out of Idaho. After a four-year run, the regional chain’s Eagle location at 228 E. Plaza Drive closed in fall. A quirky brand with a space-alien mascot and a hippie-tinged vibe, Squeeze In is known for serving what it calls “the best omelettes on the planet.”
Gyro Shack
Gyro Shack closed its familiar drive-thru at 1050 E. Fairview Ave. in Meridian. The reason? The Idaho-based chain had too many Gyro Shacks in close proximity, company president Seth Brink said. Boise-based Arete Food Group, which owns Gyro Shack and Negranti Creamery, started a new concept in the space instead: Rapido Burrito, which offers a small, focused menu of Mexican food.
Tommy’s Italian
When local restaurateur Grant Rosendahl launched the Tommy’s Italian concept last fall, he had visions of a burgeoning new pasta chain. But roughly a year after the first restaurant appeared in Meridian — and about five months after expanding to West Boise — the experiment screeched to a halt. Tommy’s Italian closed at 2976 E. Overland Road and at 13601 W. McMillan Road. “Maybe it was the wrong time, wrong concept,” Rosendahl said. “It’s all good.” His other restaurant, il Sugo Italian Kitchen, continues to operate in Meridian.
Peiology
Pieology, which debuted in early 2023 at the Ridley’s Family Supermarkets Shopping Center in Kuna, closed permanently in August, according to a publicist for the chain. The store at 1327 N. Meridian Road was opened by a California transplant who, along with her husband and a business partner, signed a development rights agreement to open several Idaho franchise locations. As of now, there are no plans for Pieology locations in Idaho, the publicist said in an email.
Zeeks Pizza
Roughly a year and a half after the Washington chain unveiled its first out-of-state location in Eagle — its 25th overall — Zeeks Pizza shuttered. The full-service restaurant soon will be replaced by Arizona-based Matty G’s Steakburgers & Lobsta’ Rolls, a sports-themed concept.
Build a Spud
Launched last year at the Boise Towne Square mall food court, Build a Spud specialized in mega-loaded baked potatoes. Despite an idea that seemed perfect for Idaho, it didn’t last long. You could create your own or order from a selection of signature taters.
Richard’s Restaurant & Bar
Located downtown at the Inn at 500 Capitol hotel, Richard’s is open now but will close at the end of the year. Owner-chef Richard Langston and his wife and business partner, Melinda Langston, plan to retire. They’ve sold the fine-dining restaurant at 500 S. Capitol Blvd. to the owners of Spitfire Tacos + Tequila in Eagle. But, no, it won’t became a fancy Spitfire. After remodeling, the former Richard’s space will be reopened as Hemlock, a “boutique neighborhood steakhouse.” The plan is to open in spring.
Warehouse Food Hall tenants
The Warehouse Food Hall is a dynamic dining collective at 370 S. 8th St. in downtown Boise. Vendors come. Vendors go. Concepts that exited this year included Paddles Up Poke, Freshie’s Lobster Rolls, Totally Toasted and Bao Boi. Newcomers that opened included Basquenese, Driftwood Fry House, Totally Smashed, and Poppy Seed Bakery and Cafe.
Chow Public Market tenants
Much like the Warehouse, change was in the air at Chow Public Market at the Boise Spectrum, 7709 W. Overland Road. Cajun restaurant Louisiana Soul Food said goodbye after a run of about 3 ½ years. It was replaced by Bomb Burger, which also soon closed. After just under two years there, Vegan Soul also closed.
Koco Bell Korean Street Food (moved)
After closing in May at 13601 W. McMillan Road in Boise, Koco Bell reopened in a larger space at 2999 N. LakeHarbor Lane — next to Crunch Fitness. So far, so good. The new restaurant rates a 4.9 out of 5.0 stars from 60 Google reviews.
Meltz Extreme Grilled Cheese (moved)
Taking over a standalone building at 6565 W. Fairview Ave., Meltz brought hedonistic grilled cheese sandwiches to Boise in late 2022. But less than two years later, Meltz closed its restaurant and reopened inside Chow Public Market. On Dec. 11, sports-themed restaurant Matty G’s Steakburgers & Lobsta’ Rolls opened in the old Meltz building on Fairview.
This story was originally published December 24, 2024 at 4:00 AM.