In 2015, the Idaho Statesman revealed there were plans to close the Chili's restaurant at the corner of Franklin and Milwaukee.  The restaurant managed to stay open, but it's run is coming to an end. 

According to our friend Don at Boise Dev, found the scoop on what will happen to the property near Boise Towne Square Mall. Darden Restaurants plans to demolish the Chili's building that was originally constructed in 1990 and build a new building that's more than 2,000 square feet larger than the old restaurant.  A LongHorn Steakhouse will open in the new building. Don't worry too much about the staff and employees at the Franklin Road Chili's location.  The plan is to move them all to a new Nampa location.

I've only been to LongHorn Steakhouse a handful of times (one moved into the old Shoney's in my hometown when I was a kid.)  Despite the fact that they're known for Texas style steaks, I ordered chicken fingers.  I remember them being some of the best chicken fingers I've ever had. (I used to order chicken fingers at every restaurant my family went to when I was younger.  I believe my parents thought I could never have a serious boyfriend because guys would be to embarrassed to take the chicken finger girl out for a nice dinner.)

Darden Restaurants owns two other concepts in the Treasure Valley - Olive Garden and Yard House. It's unclear when the construction of their new LongHorn will begin.  The plans need to pass Boise's Design Review committee before the project can begin.

Chili's joins a growing list of restaurants closing near Boise Towne Square Mall.  TGI Friday's closed in 2014 and just down the road, Mickey Ray's closed last July.

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