When it comes to Boise’s food scene, one of the first impressions it leaves on outsiders is a simple question: “Where are all the chains?”
I know that when I relocated to Boise 15 years ago, that was one of my first questions and one that was meant to reflect positively on my new home. My hometown was littered with restaurant chains. From Arby’s to Olive Garden, there were no less than two dozen in the mile between my home and office. So naturally, I was surprised to discover that Boise didn’t have a Chick-Fil-A, Chipotle or Panera when I moved here.
All three of those chains now have a presence in the Treasure Valley, but I don’t find myself going there multiple times a week like I did in college. Those repeat trips were more about proximity than the impression their food left on me.
However, there are other chain restaurants that DO leave an impression on people who grew up with them and cause a commotion when they announce they’re FINALLY coming to Idaho. In-N-Out’s a perfect example…