Biz Buzz: New burrito restaurant moving into old Costa Vida location
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Do you want to know what’s happening on the eastern Idaho business scene? We’ve got you covered. Here is a rundown of this week’s business news across the valley.
BIZ BRIEF
IDAHO FALLS
New burrito restaurant opening inside old Costa Vida location
IDAHO FALLS – Since Costa Vida moved from its old location in Idaho Falls, many have wondered what’s happening to the vacant building at 3000 S. 25th East.
Earlier this week, we discovered Ketchum Burrito, or KB’s as its known to customers, is planning to open at that location sometime next month.
Javier Serva, the owner of the restaurant, tells EastIdahoNews.com he thought Idaho Falls was an ideal location for the business’s sixth storefront location in Idaho.
“I personally like Idaho Falls a lot. I spend a lot of time here during the summer. It’s a beautiful city,” Serva says.
Though Serva lives in Twin Falls, he says the growth in Idaho Falls makes it a great place to open up shop.
Those familiar with KB’s menu know that the fish tacos are a popular item, which earned them praise from the New York Times several years ago.
“Even when people are far away, they’re still thinking about the food at Ketchum Burritos,” the Times article stated. “This cheerful laid-back burrito joint serves delicious fish tacos and offers a build-your-own burrito, with a choice of 27 fillings.”
KB’s menu also includes quesadillas, enchiladas, and salad. Serva says they offer a unique menu that focuses on healthy, high-quality items.
“We use grilled yams in our burritos, so it’s a unique menu you’re never going to see anywhere else,” says Serva.
Whether you’re a fan of spicy or mild food, Serva says they have something for every taste. Each ingredient is made from scratch daily and served made-to-order.
Originally from Peru, Serva first came to the U.S. in 2001. The family-owned business began operations in 1993 in the Ketchum/Sun Valley area. There are also stores in Hailey, Twin Falls, McCall, and Pocatello, along with numerous food trucks in various locations.
Serva says he’s tentatively planning to open March 13, pending any construction delays. There will be a soft opening for invited guests the day before they open to the public and a date for a grand opening will be announced at a later date.
Once they’re up and running, the 3,000 square foot restaurant in Idaho Falls will be able to seat up to 100 people. KB’s will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
To learn more, visit KB’s website.
BIZ BITS
Pine Ridge Mall supports local business development with $3,000 donation
POCATELLO – The Pine Ridge Mall and Farmer Companies continued their support of Bannock Development Corporation and the community’s prosperity with a $3,000 investment this week. The support will help fund job attraction, talent development and local employer support efforts in Bannock County and the region. At a ceremony Monday in the Pine Ridge Mall, community leaders took stock of the benefits from both organizations. Recent projects involving the Bannock Development Corporation include the FBI expansion, housing supply research and promotion, cold storage development, and economic dashboard development.
AAA holding grand opening Thursday for new service center in Idaho Falls
IDAHO FALLS – AAA Idaho is pleased to announce the grand opening of the Idaho Falls Service Center on February 28. The new office is located at 3418 S. 25th East. The grand opening is an opportunity for the public to meet local AAA employees and become familiar with AAA’s service offerings, including Roadside Assistance, Travel, Insurance, and more. Light refreshments will be served, and prizes will be distributed to the first 100 guests. A ribbon cutting will begin at noon.
Come celebrate success at the 80th annual Farmer Merchant Community Banquet
REXBURG – You’re invited to celebrate the efforts of farmers, businesses and ordinary people at the Rexburg Chamber’s 80th Annual Farmer Merchant Community Banquet. The theme for this year’s event is “Fields of Success.” Awards will be given to members of the community who have made significant achievements in farming, business, or daily life. It’s all happening Thursday, March 14 at 6 p.m. at the Madison High School Gymnasium. Dinner will be served and there will be live and silent auctions. Tickets are $30. For more information, call Janet at (208) 356-5700.
BIZ BUGS
Social Security Scam
New scam call claims your social security number is expiring
The following is a news release from the Better Business Bureau.
Social security numbers are the golden keys of the information world. They unlock the most sensitive personal information, including individual loan and bank account details. With a nine-digit number that powerful, it’s no wonder scammers want it and will go to great lengths to steal it.
Fake IRS calls are certainly nothing new, but the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker has seen a distinct rise in phony social security calls hitting Idaho. And these calls can be alarming.
Here’s what we are hearing is going around Idaho in January 2019:
- One report stated, “(I) received a voicemail claiming that there were numerous security alerts on my SSN that have been identified as illegal activities and they were going to suspend my SSN.”
Another stated, “I was told to call a number and talk to someone about my Social Security number before it would become unusable.”
And another resident near Boise reported hearing, “The purpose of this call is regarding enforcement action which has been executed by the US Treasury against your SSN. Ignoring this would be an intentional attempt to avoid initial appearances before the magistrate judge or exempt jury for a federal criminal offense. So, before this matter goes to federal claims courthouse or you get arrested, kindly call us back on our number (505) 365-0470. I repeat (505) 365-0470 as soon as possible.”
A scammer might ramble off badge numbers, case numbers and even spoof their numbers to try to con a person. The consumer’s caller ID may even indicate the call is coming from the Social Security Administration’s phone number.
In those cases, the Federal Trade Commission says they’re faking that number. It’s not the real SSA calling.
Here are a few tips to remember:
- Your social security number is not about to be suspended. You don’t have to verify your number to anyone who calls out of the blue. And your bank accounts are not about to be seized.
- The Social Security Administration will not threaten you. Real SSA employees will never threaten your benefits in exchange for money. They also won’t promise to increase your benefits in exchange for information. If they do, it’s a scam.
- The real SSA number is 1-800-772-1213, but scammers are putting that number on the caller ID. If you’re suspicious, hang up and call 1-800-772-1213 directly and speak to the real SSA.
- Never give any part of your Social Security number to anyone who contacts you. The same advice holds regarding bank account or credit card numbers.
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