Restaurant News

After a ‘major overhaul,’ this new Boise restaurant plans to debut on Fairview

A longtime restaurant building that went dark on a busy Boise thoroughfare has a brighter future — thanks to a much-needed upgrade.

Bobby’s Cafe is on track to open in mid-spring at 6767 W. Fairview Ave., according to Steve Neighbors, managing member of Adams Fairview, LLC, which owns the property.

Serving breakfast and lunch, Bobby’s Cafe will offer a concept not unlike some of its predecessors in recent decades. Boise diners might remember The Original Sunrise Cafe, Moon’s Kitchen, Jerry’s State Court Cafe and — all the way back to the prior century — Elmer’s Restaurant in the 6,200-square-foot space.

After the Sunrise Cafe shuttered last year, Adams Fairview wanted to clean up the aging building and property, Neighbors said in a message. That job “became increasingly extensive as we uncovered issue after issue,” he said, and evolved into a “major overhaul.”

A new sign advertising its future tenant has been erected outside the restaurant building on Fairview Avenue.
A new sign advertising its future tenant has been erected outside the restaurant building on Fairview Avenue. Michael Deeds mdeeds@idahostatesman.com

“The overall layout of the building will be the same but literally all the sheetrock has been removed, the flooring and concrete floor torn up to replace the sewer and grease lines, all the electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and kitchen equipment is being replaced. … Also, the exterior landscape was grossly neglected so that has been cleaned up as well.”

Bobby’s Cafe’s owners want to remain under the radar for the time being, Neighbors said. They’re a couple who “wanted to own their own restaurant. They have been patiently waiting as we had to delve into more and more items to repair the property.”

Bobby’s, he added, is named after their new daughter.

This story was originally published February 12, 2026 at 4:00 AM.

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Michael Deeds
Idaho Statesman
Michael Deeds is a long-serving entertainment reporter and opinion columnist at the Idaho Statesman, where he chronicles the Boise good life: restaurants, concerts, culture, cool stuff. He started as a summer intern after graduating from the University of Nebraska with a news-editorial journalism degree. Deeds’ prior Statesman roles have included sportswriter, music critic and features editor. His other writing has ranged from freelancing album reviews for The Washington Post to bragging about Boise in that inflight magazine you left on the plane. 
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