This big Boise restaurant closed to host private events. Now? ‘Total liquidation’
It’s taken a series of steps, but a major Boise brewery is ending its northwest Boise presence.
Sockeye Alehouse, 3823 N. Garden Center Way — which closed as a neighborhood restaurant and bar last fall, transitioning into a private event center — is shuttering.
But you can own a piece of its history.
The former food-and-drink destination’s assets are being sold in what is described as a “total liquidation — kitchen equipment, refrigeration, furniture, walk(-in) coolers, smallwares, decor and more.” Online bidding, hosted by Business Liquidation Auction of Nampa, starts April 3.
Sockeye’s flagship operation, Sockeye Grill & Brewery, 12542 W. Fairview Ave., continues to operate as usual. Established in 1996, Sockeye Brewing arguably is the state’s best-known beer brand.
The equipment sale caps a three-year run for Sockeye in the roughly 12,000-square-foot space at 36th and Hill. When it opened, Sockeye took over the whole building, which previously had operated as 36th Street Garden Center and Bistro. But by early 2025, Sockeye had shuttered about one-third of the space. The rest was closed to the public later that year as Sockeye ended restaurant operations, pivoting to private events and holiday parties.
Sockeye’s commitment ends in April, co-owner Janice Skinner said.
“An opportunity has presented itself for an event planner to take over the entire building,” she said.
“We will be terminating our lease and the new entity will take over. The new event planner will be able to more fully promote and facilitate a full-service event venue, which seems like the best use for that absolutely beautiful building.”
Details about that concept were not immediately available.
Also unclear? Part of the large building appears to remain available for lease, according to LoopNet. Messages to Dave McKinnon of Terteling Company, the contact listed, were not returned.
