This beloved Boise restaurant’s grab-and-go expansion shop is opening
Korean street food competition is about to get spicier in downtown Boise.
Veteran local brand Koco Bell will open a new convenience-focused restaurant at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 3. The small grab-and-go shop — Koco Bell Express — is located at 116 N. 5th St., at the corner of 5th and Idaho streets.
The expansion store is in the same building as another familiar Asian concept, Dharma Sushi. Koco Bell Express joins other Korean options just blocks away. Locally owned Seoul Street Cafe operates at 624 W. Idaho St. And the fast-casual Cupbop chain runs a downtown location at 298 N. 8th St.
Despite rubbing elbows, Koco Bell Express should be able to find a niche. Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google reviews, the brand has an enthusiastic fan base.
Started as a parking lot food stand in 2020, Koco Bell soon moved into a brick-and-mortar in Meridian. Then it relocated to 2999 N. Lakeharbor Lane in Boise, where it still operates — now under different ownership.
Koco Bell Express, launched by the brand’s founders, will serve bento boxes, sandwiches, bowls, soups, desserts and more, co-owner Mariela Kang said.
Koco Bell is hyping its new takeout destination on Instagram. Among the promises: 10 varieties of kimbap; a college student-friendly Bronco Box with kimbap, Korean fried chicken or bulgogi, plus side options and a drink; kid meals highlighted by “Kpop Demon Hunters” kimbap; do-it-yourself ramen; and new desserts such as croffles, fruit sandwiches and Korean lunchbox cake.
Koco Bell Express will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (or until sold out). Mornings will include coffee, doughnuts and other breakfast items.
If crowds hit Koco Bell Express during peak hours, it will be interesting to see how that might impact in-and-out efficiency. Only about 10 customers will fit into the shop simultaneously, Koco Bell explained on social media.
