Why did a Boise restaurant open then quickly close? It’s been a ‘roller coaster’

When Koco Bell founders Steve and Mariela Kang brought their Boise business downtown in November, it seemed primed for success.

Koco Bell Express, a grab-and-go outlet for their Korean street food, debuted with convenience in mind at 116 N. 5th St., the corner of 5th and Idaho streets. The display case showcased fried rice and noodles, burritos, lunch boxes, Korean toast and more.

But that wound up being the catch: Customers wanted more.

“Sold out,” the newcomer declared on Instagram days after opening.

To satisfy ravenous Boiseans, the Kangs temporarily closed Koco Bell Express in December, explaining online that “we are working with the city to install a kitchen.”

“It was for all the people asking us for a bigger menu,” Mariela Kang explained in a recent message.

But renovation red tape doesn’t get resolved overnight. More than a month later, Koco Bell Express still sits shuttered.

The kitchen situation “took us to a roller coaster with the city permits,” Kang admitted.

But fear not, Koco Bell fans. (And there are plenty. Just check out the local brand’s online reviews.) Koco Bell Express will return. The Kangs hope to reopen by February, Mariela said.

In the meantime? Dream of bulgogi burritos. Spam kimbap. And K-pop Demon Hunters ramen.

“We (are) still hanging here,” she said, “thanks to all our followers’ and customers’ support.”

Michael Deeds is an entertainment reporter and opinion columnist at the Idaho Statesman, where he chronicles the Boise good life: restaurants, concerts, culture, cool stuff. He arrived as a summer intern in 1991 after graduating from the University of Nebraska with a news-editorial journalism degree. Deeds’ prior roles have included sportswriter, music critic and features editor. His other writing has ranged from freelancing album reviews for The Washington Post to bragging about Boise in that inflight magazine you left on the plane.…Read more by Michael Deeds