BOISE, Idaho (CBS2 News) — Daryn Colledge, a former NFL player turned entrepreneur, has introduced a new dining concept to Boise. Corso is the city’s first Italian steakhouse. Colledge, who also owns The James, said the idea for Corso stemmed from a desire to offer something unique to the local dining scene.
“We’re not here to change the market but the job is to meet our customers exactly where they’re at, offer them something that is not offered everywhere else,” said Colledge.
Colledge says Corso is an upscale casual restaurant that aims to provide a versatile dining experience.
“We’re not a white tablecloth place. We think there are plenty of places in town that do that very, very well, and we’re not here to compete with them,” said Colledge. “I want people to be able to come in and have a $20 pasta and a happy hour beer and get out of here and have a great day on a Wednesday. I also want people to be able to come in on their anniversary and have the steak with all the trims and the most expensive bottle of wine we have in the house.”
The restaurant’s decor reflects the 1960s era, offering a fun and inviting atmosphere.
“I want to do something to harken back to a warmer environment, more of a home feel,” Colledge said. “I think a lot of new restaurants have gone to a very modern style, glass and sharp edges. I think they do it very well and I enjoy those, but we wanted to do something that was a little different.”
Corso can accommodate around 200 guests, with plans to open their speakeasy by the end of the summer. The restaurant also features a private dining room for events like graduations and corporate parties.
“I fell in love with the idea of having great experiences around meals and having great experiences in restaurants and feeling like you’re somewhere that you’re appreciated and loved and cared for,” said Colledge. “That’s what we try to create in each one of our spaces.”
Colledge, who says he fell in love with dining during his NFL travels, said the concept of an Italian steakhouse combines two of his favorite cuisines.
“We are a traditional steakhouse,” he said. “But we are also what a lot of what people would call non-traditional Italian.”
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for Corso is scheduled for May 6.
Colledge expressed his gratitude to the community, saying, “Boise has given me everything. I’m the first person to admit it. From my scholarship that I got to play football, to the opportunity to serve in the National Guard here. This is more of a thank you than it is anything else, and hopefully Boise loves it.”
Corso is located at 1555 S Broadway Ave in Boise. Click here to view their menu.