Press Release

The Idaho Statesman
October 2, 2006
Page 8, Main-A

SMOKY'S TO OFFER GRILLED FOOD IN ADDITION TO PIZZA AND PASTA

Written by Monique Bosolet, The Idaho Statesman

Smoky Mountain Pizza and Pasta closed the doors in May to its downtown Meridian location, and later this month, owners will do the same at the Boise Spectrum restaurant on Overland.

The closures were necessary in order to accommodate a new concept in dining which requires a larger dining room and kitchen, said Dan Todd, president of the regional restaurant chain. The new restaurant, Smoky Mountain Pizzeria Grill, will be unveiled at 980 E. Fairview Avenue, next to Hastings, in Meridian. It´s a model which recently debuted in Nampa to favorable customer review, Todd said.

The pizzeria grill offers a wider variety of menu items and will incorporate grilled entrees such as steak and chicken. "That is where we´re headed in the future as a dining restaurant," said Todd. "The grilled sirloin and great grilled hamburgers will complement the pizza and pasta we´ve always had."

This is the ninth location for the regional chain that started in 1992 in Ketchum. The company now employs more than 350 people from the Treasure Valley to Logan, Utah.

"We always want to be evolving and growing," said Todd.

The restaurant will still offer the same catering and meeting hall services for larger groups. For more information visit www.smokymountainpizza.com