Crave Kitchen & Bar Confirms Meridian Expansion with New 8,500-Square-Foot Location

Key points

• MorHood, LLC, the entity behind Crave Kitchen & Bar, has confirmed that its proposed restaurant in Meridian will be a second location for the brand, following initial reports by BoiseDev.
• The new establishment will occupy an 8,539-square-foot space in the Ten Mile Crossing development, located directly across the street from Scheel’s in Meridian.
• The Meridian location is scheduled to open next fall and will mirror the layout of the Eagle restaurant, featuring a large bar, a dedicated dining room, a separate private dining area, and an enclosed patio.
• The expansion is projected to generate approximately 100 new jobs for the local community.
• Management plans to build upon the existing Eagle menu while introducing new items developed specifically for the Meridian location to cater to local preferences.
• The original Crave Kitchen & Bar opened in 2020 in the Bridges at Lakemor development in Eagle, Idaho.

Background

Recent industry trends show mixed signals for the restaurant sector. While some chains like Golden Corral are closing locations due to rising costs, others are expanding. True Food Kitchen recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, closing 12 sites nationwide amid debt and leadership issues. In contrast, Crave’s expansion reflects a strategy of growth and job creation in the Treasure Valley, despite broader economic pressures affecting the hospitality industry.

Why it matters

The expansion of Crave Kitchen & Bar into Meridian signals continued growth for the local restaurant industry and provides approximately 100 new jobs. It also indicates consumer demand for dining experiences in the Ten Mile Crossing area, a key commercial hub in the Treasure Valley. The move demonstrates the brand’s confidence in its model and its ability to adapt its menu to new markets while maintaining core offerings.

What to watch

The new Crave location is expected to open next fall. The restaurant will likely undergo final permitting and construction phases before opening. Management will likely announce specific menu items and opening dates closer to the launch. The expansion may also influence other businesses in the Ten Mile Crossing development to adjust their offerings or marketing strategies to compete for the same customer base.