Twin Falls business boom brings new restaurants, hotels and development

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) —Twin Falls is experiencing a business boom, with new companies setting up locations across the city.

Panera Bread opened its doors this week, marking the first location in Twin Falls.

“We’re super thrilled to build the first Panera here in Twin Falls and bring our brand to the Valley,” said Jason Ward, retail operations director for Panera Bread in Idaho. “The reception that we’ve gotten has just been amazing.”

The bakery-cafe is the latest in a growing trend. Raising Cane’s opened in January, and In-N-Out is on the way.

Two new hotels are also under construction — one along the canyon and another next to the Magic Valley Mall.

Economic Development Director Shawn Barigar said the city’s numbers are driving the growth.

“On any given day, there are upwards of 100,000 people within the city limits of Twin Falls,” Barigar said. “We’re really that central location of the entire Magic Valley, serving a population base of 275 to 300,000 people.”

Barigar said Twin Falls’ population is growing by one-and-a-half percent every year. The city has pre-zoned land to prepare for that growth.

“We’ll actually be looking at a couple of requests for proposals in the coming couple of months, looking at mixed-use development — so both residential and retail space, potentially hospitality as well,” Barigar said.

The Urban Renewal Agency is investing in downtown with a focus on local businesses.

“Downtown, we do keep a strong focus on finding ways to support mom and pop type businesses opening up,” Barigar said.

The city’s growth extends beyond restaurants and hotels. Industrial development is expanding, with Chobani growing and new construction underway at Gemini Business Park.

Barigar said the city has systems in place to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with development.

“We’re the kind of community where we’re big enough that we have the kinds of amenities that people might want, but still small enough that you run into people you know at the grocery store and have that sense of friendliness,” Barigar said.

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