‘Adored’ Idaho chain has 12 restaurants but none near Boise. ‘Big city’ Meridian gets one

Dan Young sounds unusually calm for a first-time franchise owner.

Especially one introducing a restaurant brand to a new city.

Maybe it’s because Papa Kelsey’s Subs & Salads originated 38 years ago in Twin Falls and now has 10 Gem State locations, plus two more in Colorado and Arizona. It’s “adored in communities throughout Idaho,” as the family-run chain’s website brags.

Maybe it’s because Young believes in the food. “These sandwiches are the best,” he says.

Or maybe it’s because Dan and his wife, Krista, are opening this fall at 5956 N. Linder Road, a couple of blocks south of Chinden Boulevard — in fast-growing Meridian.

“The reality is, there’s a lot of folks that live in this area that came from Eastern Idaho, Southern Idaho, that know the brand,” Dan Young says, “and are excited for it.”

Serving hot submarine sandwiches, pizza, salads and soups, Papa Kelsey’s is on track to open in late September or early October. Headquartered in Idaho Falls, the family-run concept thrives on customers who also are neighbors. You’ll find Papa Kelsey’s in Buhl and Burley, Jerome and Rigby, Kimberly and Pocatello — reaching as far west in Idaho as Hagerman.

The Meridian restaurant will be the first franchise. When it comes to Idaho, the expansion west is decidedly “big city” for Papa Kelsey’s.

“I’m moving them to the big city — you betcha,” Young agrees. “There’s so much population density, especially where we’re putting this one here, too.”

The Papa Kelsey’s menu is “all about the dough,” its website explains. “Our handmade dough delivers mouth-watering subs, pizza, garlic bread and cinnamon rolls. It’s too good to only be used one way.”

The sub sandwiches are “gooey, melty, cheesy,” Young says. They range from an Italian Combo, French Dip and Triple Meat Supreme to a Steak & Everything, Southwest Chipotle Chicken — or even a Pizza Sub or Taco Sub.

Young has no plans for a Boise location, but he hopes to open another store in south Meridian in the next few years. A Papa Kelsey’s food trailer should be rolling in 2023, he says.

Located in a newly constructed, multi-unit building, Papa Kelsey’s will have an outdoor patio. And unlike its other Idaho locations, beer and wine will be sold.

Still, the main draw will be self-indulgent subs.

“If you’re watching calories, they’re probably not the right thing for you,” Young admits with a chuckle. “So we’ll feed you a salad. Or a pizza, or whatever you want.”