No matter how you slice it, Boise looks like a potential cash cow to money-hungry sandwich chains.
Nevada-based Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop recently announced imminent plans for three stores in the Treasure Valley, starting with a Star location.
Now a smaller, expanding brand from another nearby state has the City of Trees in its crosshairs, too.
Yampa Sandwich Co., a Colorado-based outfit with an active lifestyle theme, is coming to Boise, according to a press release. Founded in 1991 in Steamboat Springs, the chain has eight locations. Formerly known as Backcountry Delicatessen, it began franchising three years ago.
Boise will be part of Yampa’s initial wave of expansion across the Mountain states, according to the release. The chain “aims to open at least five restaurants across the metro area over the next few years. Company plans call for opening restaurants in areas with the most population growth, such as the Boise Bench, East End Boise and the Garden City Corridor, among others.”
What? No Meridian? Isn’t that place growing? Isn’t that where all the chains go?
Let’s be real. “Among others” probably means Meridian, too.
“Opening locations in Boise is promising because of its business-friendly regulations, low taxes, access to infrastructure and skilled workforce,” said David Pepin, co-founder of Yampa Sandwich Co. “But we’re most excited about introducing Boiseans to our sandwiches and other great tasting food that satisfies the soul.”
Satisfying our souls — and serving “delicious, nutritious, hearty sandwiches that can fuel daily adventures” — is the Yampa marketing pitch. Check out this proclamation from its website: “Whether it’s an all-day hike or a hectic board meeting, we believe in fueling your days with quality, flavor and nutrition that’s in it for the long haul.”
Yampa’s sandwiches appear to be decent-sized. But it’s the sandwich names that are truly mountainous.
“Signature sandwiches,” the release says, “include the turkey bacon Ridgeline, the ham and brie Summit, the roast beef and gorgonzola Fourteener, and the vegetarian Sherpa sandwich made with roasted eggplant, asiago, sweet roasted red peppers, tomato, romaine lettuce, garlic mayo.”
There are 17 sandwiches, hot and cold. (Including the Hot Springs, another veggie offering, which actually is a wrap.) Yampa also does soups, salads and cookies for dessert. The potato chip of choice to go with sandwiches? Boulder Canyon brand.
“Everything on the menu is made to order and packed with all natural ingredients,” the release says. “Yampa locations are open for breakfast, lunch, or early evening meals. Catering and box lunches are popular with outdoor adventure enthusiasts as well as executives and office workers.”
Realistically, Yampa might not open super soon. Breaking into the competitive Boise market isn’t necessarily an easy hill to climb.
In the meantime, maybe we could get them to drop off a few sampler sandwiches as a preview? Yo, Yampa, do you deliver to Borah Peak?
This story was originally published September 16, 2024 4:00 AM.