TJI Fridays, Tony Roma's are on again for Boise

"Trendy restaurant franchises TGI Fridays and Tony Roma's are headed for Boise."

That was true 18 months ago, when IBR staffer Brad Carlson wrote that lead, and it's still true, says a spokesperson for Slaymaker Restaurant Group, Salt Lake City, holder of franchise rights from the two Dallas-based restaurant chains.

Jeff Chivers, director of development for Slaymaker, says construction should begin this summer on "Fridays," long planned on a 1.5-acre site at Emerald and Milwaukee streets. Opening is expected "by the end of the year."

Tony Roma's, a casual-theme restaurant specializing in barbequed ribs, is planned for the first floor of the Foster's Furniture building on 9th Street, said Chivers and a spokesperson for White-Leasure-Clark Co.

Chivers said details remain to be worked out on sites for both restaurants. He said TGI...