Business climate in Meridian continues growing, along with population

Meridian – Meridian is keeping up with its designation as one of the fastest growing cities in the country, but it’s not just booming with people. From expansions to relocations, area businesses are moving there, too.

Meridian’s population has increased nearly 25 percent over the last five years, and as more folks move in, so do businesses.

“It’s easy to do business in Meridian,” said Mike Ruffner, Meridian Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman. “I think the other piece of it, that is so important and that we’ve seen over the years, is the sense of community.”

That sense of community is one of the reasons why Fanci Freez will expand to Meridian next spring.

The popular burger and shakes drive-thru has been in Boise since 1947.

“Meridian, it seems to be like, there’s enough people that have grown up in Boise that have gravitated out that direction,” said owner Bill Hawes. “And they’ve all said, ‘Hey, I want a Fanci Freez closer to me.’”

The iconic walk-up restaurant will be on the corner of McMillan and Linder Roads, and will be three times the size of its current location on State Street — complete with indoor seating.

“That area gets a lot of business, even from Eagle High kids coming over for food,” Hawes said. “And it’s close enough, like this is to Boise High, to be a place for kids to come hang out, families to come hang out, as well.”

And Meridian-based businesses, like Calle 75 Street Tacos in The Village, are making moves of their own.

The popular street taco joint is opening a restaurant in Boise next month.

“It’s been great,” said owner Mike Weems. “We’ve grown every year and we continue to grow, and the Village is definitely a great place to do business.”

Fanci Freez is planning on opening its Meridian location in May of 2018.

Boise’s Tin Roof Tacos is also expanding to Meridian next spring. Both restaurants will be located in the same retail plaza on McMillan Road