These two ‘phenomenal’ Boise restaurants are for sale. Owners hope to leave U.S.
A well-reviewed, family-owned Asian concept in Boise is on the market — and the offer includes two locations.
Koco Bell, 2999 N. Lakeharbor Lane, and Koco Bell Express, 115 N. 5th St., are for sale. The asking price, according to the listing: $50,000.
Owners Jaikoo (“Steve”) and Mariela Kang need to return to Korea to be with family, the listing says.
Both restaurants will remain in business for the time being, Mariela Kang said in a message — adding that both also are available for sublease.
“We are trying very hard to keep both restaurants open; we will do the best until we find the best way to walk away from this situation,” she said.
Launched originally as a food stand, Koco Bell opened its first brick-and-mortar five years ago in Meridian. That store has since closed.
Serving menu items such as bulgogi, tteokbokki and Korean fried chicken, the local brand has continued to earn exceptional reviews at its Boise stores. Koco Bell and Koco Bell Express both are rated 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google, where reviewers describe the food as “amazing” and “phenomenal.” On Yelp, Koco Bell is rated 4.8 stars.
“There is a high demand for Asian/Korean food items in this market,” the business’ for-sale listing says, adding that the only known direct competition is Seoul Street Cafe, another downtown Boise restaurant specializing in Korean food.
Competition from “other Asian restaurants will be indirect,” the listing promises.