Steakhouse in Idaho (Pocatello, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls: houses, closing, income)

[chef82]

I am thinking about starting a casual steak and chop house in Idaho. I was thinking in Malad city, Preston, Pocatello, Twin Falls or Idaho Falls. I have lived in Idaho for a short while and have some family there now. I have been a chef at some of the top private communities, resorts and restaurants from Southern California to Aspen, CO. I know good quality ingredients and the value of them. I have enjoyed working in the ultra fine dining establishments, but now, I feel, is a time for me to call something my own and there is something about a steakhouse that is very comforting to me. The restaurant wouldn't be terribly expensive, as I realize now, in this economy, is not the time to go out spending money. We would have big portions of quality corn fed beef and some fresh seafood. Everything would be made from stratch with the freshest ingredients grown by locals in the area. My questions would be, which is a good city and does anyone think that its a good idea and would support a place like this? Any help or input would be appreciated.

[Need2Leave]

To over-generalize my state... we tend to be a down-to-earth frugal people when the times call for it. Some of the "finer dining" [read: foodies come over-analyze our food] establishments have been closing, well actualy more than some. To fill a dining room these days may be a dificult endeavor in ID. Especialy at anything resembling fine dining prices. Best of luck if you try

[breer23]

The best "down home" steak dinner we've had so far (we've only been here 3 months) was at Stockman's along Hwy. 20, north of Idaho Falls. But we'd be more than happy to try a new (and all the better, local) steakhouse if one were to open up here in IF, or even in Poky.

[cleosmom]

Hmmm, Preston is quite small and Malad City I believe even smaller, doubt either of those would be a good choice. However, The Relay Station is still in business after many years up to St. Anthony. Their advantage is they are on the way to Yellowstone.

If you open up in Idaho Falls, be preapred to be slammed upon opening and then it will trickle down to a dull roar. For some reason whenever a new eatery opens up here, folks always act like it's the first establishment to do such a thing and they flock like sheep to be there first ones there

If you're wanting a liquor license those are not easy to come by, I think there are still some available in Ammon, right next door to Idaho Falls.

If you decide to go forth, let us know what you decide so we can give it a shot

[shades_of_idaho]

We have a regular little cafe here in Midvale that serves steak and sea food on ? Fri or Sat night. Charges $26.00. Too high $$ for us but the town flocks to have it every weekend. I know they have good food. I also know the place is clean because that is one of my new jobs. I would consider diversifying a little with mostly steak house and adding other menu items for those that do not like steak. Sort of like the Chinese restaurants do have American foods for the one in the family that does not like Chinese.

Cloesmom I had heard Beer and wine and liqueur licenses were hard to get and surprised that, here, for the local bar the lic is $125.00. Guess there are not that many drinkers here since the bar just closed again.:^(

Chris

[norcalmom101]

I know certain steakhouses are hurting, even the best. I'd do very thorough research, go in with more reserves than you think you would need in the worst case, and only it any potential losses could offset some other taxable income.