‘The most Idaho restaurant ever’ is finally opening, Boise. Its success is baked in
Essentially every fledgling Idaho restaurant works hard to win over local customers.
But Spud Daddy, which debuts Friday morning in downtown Boise, has some extra skin in the game.
The potato kind.
Specializing in hefty loaded bakers, the fast-casual concept will open at 404 S. 8th St., the former home of Bodovino wine bar in the BoDo district. Featuring customized baked potatoes prepared in a Chipotle-style, assembly-line format, it’s tailor-made for Idahoans hungry for a helping of state pride. Or tourists craving an unforgettable Gem State meal.
The launch has taken a few months longer than expected. (Late March was the prior goal.) And less-than-patient customers should be aware that Spud Daddy, which starts serving at 11 a.m., is “soft” opening. So hand-cut french fries won’t be cooking outside on the patio yet. Beer sales are a month away, too.
But the restaurant will feature lots of mouthwatering potato toppings. Oh, and the “famous” Idaho ice cream potato for dessert, thanks to a partnership with Westside Drive In, where it was created.
Spud Daddy also plans to sell potato- and Gem State-themed merchandise: calendars, stickers, hoodies, T-shirts and hats.
“This should be the most Idaho restaurant that exists when we’re done with this thing,” owner Thomas Watson previously told the Statesman. “This is Idaho, through and through.”
Licensed through the Idaho Potato Commission, Spud Daddy will use taters grown by Sun Valley Potatoes. Known as 40-count potatoes, these russets are huge, Watson said, weighing in at around 1 1/4 pounds.
The baked potatoes will be sold in five base options, the first three being protein-based: chopped roast in a bourbon butter reduction ($12.50), pit ham ($11.35), bacon ($10.25), veggie ($9.50) and plain ($6). After that, Watson said, you can add creamy parmesan sauce ($1.70 extra) or brisket chili ($1) — or just pile on toppings that won’t cost an extra cent: shredded provolone, cheddar cheese sauce, baked beans, beef gravy, sauteed mushrooms, sauteed onions, fresh jalapeno, pico de gallo, tomatillo corn salsa, cilantro, green onions, sour cream, crushed potato chips — the list goes on.
Restaurant hours will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Can you say Father’s Day meal?
“Come get a baked potato,” Watson said in a social-media video. “You’re gonna love it.”
How could any card-carrying Idahoan not?