Another vendor closes, new one planned, ‘all part of journey’ at Boise food hall
Since opening three years ago, the Warehouse Food Hall has proved to be a fluid dining destination.
More than half of the original vendors remain, but lineup changes have been commonplace at 370 S. 8th St. in the BoDo neighborhood.
The latest shakeup? No more gourmet waffles at the Warehouse. Utah-based franchise chain Waffle Love, one of those original options, has closed.
Waffle Love will be replaced by Ohio-based chain Just Chicken, which operates a spot at The Garage Food Hall in Indianapolis, said RoseAnn Haedt, director of public relations for Geronimo Hospitality Group. The Garage Food Hall and Warehouse Food Hall both are owned by Geronimo.
A message to Waffle Love’s local franchise owner was not answered. But the only other Idaho location — a restaurant at 4698 N. Linder Road in Meridian — is slated to remain open, according to a representative from Waffle Love headquarters.
As for Just Chicken? The brand “takes chicken tenders to the next level with fresh ingredients and made-from-scratch sauces,” according to the Garage’s website. Its small menu focuses on a sandwich, chicken tender meals, salads and fries. The new Warehouse location is aiming to open in early August, Haedt said, but no date has been finalized.
When the Warehouse shared the news about Just Chicken on social media, a commenter posed a head scratcher that other Boise diners probably wonder about: “Why is the turnover so high with these restaurants?”
The Warehouse replied with this answer: “Some vendors stay long-term, some with multiple spots choose to refocus, and others grow into their own standalone locations. It’s all part of the journey. Turnover isn’t a sign of struggle; it’s a reflection of how dynamic and flexible food halls are. We are here to support local businesses at every stage and keep great food and community at the center of it all.”
An example in the near future will be Wok N’ Roll, another of the Warehouse’s opening-day vendors. Started as a local food trailer, it upgraded to the Warehouse — but now plans to transition to its own restaurant space across the street at 345 S. 8th St. by the end of the year.
As of right now, here are the choices at the Warehouse Food Hall: Anzalone Pizza, Basquenese, Caffe d’Arte, Camp Cocktail Bar, Driftwood, Foy’s Franks, KB’s Burritos, The Loading Dock, Mazzah Mediterranean, Neighbor Tim’s BBQ, Poppy Seed Bakery & Cafe, Rush Bowls, Totally Smashed and Wok N’ Roll.