How 7 restaurant chains could change Boise's dining scene

Boise’s dining scene is evolving as well-known restaurant chains expand into the area. Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop has debuted in Star, introducing locals to its award-winning turkey sub, The Bobbie, and plans more locations. El Pollo Loco is set to open restaurants in Meridian and Nampa, aiming to appeal especially to California transplants craving their citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken. Pizza fans can look forward to Slice House by Tony Gemignani, which promises chef-driven, top-tier pies in Meridian. Meanwhile, chains like Raising Cane’s and Habit Burger Grill are making moves, while others, such as Big Chicken, remain delayed.

It’s like Thanksgiving every day when you order The Bobbie.

NO. 1: BOISE NEWCOMERS OPEN FIRST OF THREE CHAIN RESTAURANTS SERVING AMERICA’S ‘GREATEST SUB’

Capriotti’s new Star location will offer a taste of Thanksgiving year-round with its signature sandwich, The Bobbie. | Published March 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Ashley Fredde

Raising Cane’s is known for its “craveable chicken finger meals.”

NO. 2: NOT IN IDAHO YET, CELEBRATED RESTAURANT CHAIN BUYS MERIDIAN LAND, BUMPS TIMELINE

The hot brand opened 118 new restaurants last year. | Published April 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michael Deeds

The Habit Burger Grill, known for its charbroiled burgers and stylish quick-service setting, opens at Sunrise Village, 10221 156th St. E in Puyallup, Dec. 7.

NO. 3: VOTED BETTER BURGER THAN IN-N-OUT, ANOTHER CALIFORNIA CHAIN PLANS TO OPEN BOISE RESTAURANT

It also won best fast-food side in the same USA Today readers’ poll. | Published February 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michael Deeds

Fans of El Pollo Loco soon will be able to celebrate with a burrito “cheers” in Idaho.

NO. 4: IN ‘GREAT NEWS’ FOR CALIFORNIANS, CHAIN PLANS TWO RESTAURANTS IN BOISE AREA

Boise’s transformation into California restaurant-chain paradise shows no sign of slowing. | Published May 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michael Deeds

Popular chain Shake Shack still hasn’t expanded to Idaho.

NO. 5: ADMIT IT, BOISE, YOU LOVE CHAIN RESTAURANTS. WHICH ONE SHOULD OPEN HERE NEXT?

With In-N-Out now in Idaho, anything feels possible. (There’s a poll with this column.) | Published April 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michael Deeds

Shaquille O’Neal, the Big Aristotle himself, hangs out at one of his restaurants.

NO. 6: SHAQ’S CHICKEN CHAIN WAS COMING TO BOISE. 3 YEARS LATER — TECHNICAL FOWL?

There were “BIG things on the horizon” for Idaho. But no restaurants have materialized. What’s up? | Published May 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michael Deeds

“Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and absolutely loaded — say hello to our Tony Jack Detroit!” Slice House wrote on social media. “With golden edges and a buttery crunch under layers of melted mozzarella, drizzles of ranch, and a topping spree of smoked bacon, Peppadew peppers, and a hint of honey, every bite hits the spot.”

NO. 7: ‘ANOTHER LEVEL’ PIZZA IS COMING, IDAHO. THE 1ST RESTAURANT WILL OPEN IN MERIDIAN

The brand from 13-time world pizza champion Tony Gemignani is seeing “rapid growth.” | Published April 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michael Deeds

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.