Idaho Falls is a hotspot for new and growing businesses, family-owned or otherwise. Despite the calamity of the pandemic, our local businesses have still been supported by the community, and new places to dine have continued to pop up. Here are some new and reopened establishments near you.
1. Cast Iron on 17th. This French cuisine restaurant opened late in 2020 to eager customers. Though the restaurant may be new, the location has quite a history—the building was originally a house before it was turned into a restaurant in the 1990s, most recently, The Cellar. The menu features high-end staples made daily as well as specials that rotate to keep the dining experience refreshing and new.
2. Cupbop. There's a new shop in town where Soda Tsunami used to be and it's serving up Korean barbecue. The chain's location in Idaho Falls marks the third Cupbop to open in Idaho to raving reviews. If you've never had Korean barbecue before, Cupbop encourages customers not to shy away from their Americanized recipes served up in a paper cup.
3. Duck Donuts. One of the new tenants of Hillcrest Plaza, this shop serves up hot, made-to-order donuts with customizable toppings. Duck Donuts is a chain that started on the East Coast and has slowly made its way across the states. This location, along with another in Western Idaho, will be the first of many to open its doors to Idaho residents.
4. Fire & Smoke BBQ. This food truck—or rather food trailer—has been serving up Louisiana-style barbeque since it opened in July of last year. The menu includes classic barbeque entrees and sides such as pulled pork and mac-n-cheese, as well as a new favorite—barbeque nachos. Owner Leaf Call built the trailer himself, including the wood-fire stove that's used to cook the meat he serves.
5. Jersey Mike's Subs. This chain has been in business since 1956 and is finally opening a location in Eastern Idaho. Jersey Mike's serves authentic sub sandwiches using fresh-baked bread, quality produce, meats and cheeses, and a zesty vinegar and oil sauce.
6. Mo' Bettahs Hawaiian Style. Opening in April, Mo' Bettahs is ready to serve up Hawaiian food to the Idaho Falls and Ammon communities. While the chain started in Bountiful, Utah, the recipes are based on what the founders grew up eating in Oahu, Hawaii. From teriyaki steak to deep-fried chicken katsu, Mo' Bettahs serves up good times and even better food.
7. Prepp'd. This meal service business offers something new to local residents: healthy prepared meals that are refrigerated instead of frozen. The concept for Prepp'd came to fruition about a year ago, then the storefront opened in July of 2020. Customers can subscribe to have meals delivered to their doorstep or they can buy the meal of the day from the Ammon location for Prepp'd. See related story in our February issue.
8. Super Chix. While the dining scene at Super Chix is casual, it's not to be mistaken for fast food. Super Chix prides itself on making each meal to order with fresh ingredients. The menu focuses on making chicken
No. 1, but it doesn't skimp out on sandwich options, sides or its famous frozen custard.
Returning to Town
In addition to exciting newcomers, we are excited to welcome back some old favorites:
Soda Tsunami. This iconic Idaho Falls favorite has reopened under new management and in a new location—a homey little shack. Select a fan favorite drink or mix up your own with their selection of syrups and more.
The Bone Store. After being closed for three years, this beloved restaurant has finally reopened with new management and a new name:
Steele-n-Jo's Bone. The menu includes classic barbeque foods like hamburgers and hot dogs; come during an entertainment night to enjoy live music while you dine in this historic bar and grill.
Click here to read more of our March issue.