As disheartening as it is to hear of an establishment closing its doors, it's all the more exciting to hear about one rising up in its place.
A while back, Idaho Falls staffers invaded Pickett's Bambino for a mid-day meal and had nothing but high praise for its service, quality, price and originality. Not long afterward, we heard that the Pickett family had decided to sell the eatery as part of preparations for an LDS Church mission.
Enter Jack and Lorna Hoopes, who bought the quick-serve Italian restaurant in late February and renamed it the Great Bambino. (The Rigby location, also under the Great Bambino moniker, has been purchased by Bill and Weston Banta.)
This transfer of ownership begs the question: What has happened to the cheesy scone that propelled Pickett's to its lofty reputation in local casual dining circles?
It's still on the menu, thankfully, as are the restaurant's delicious calzones. In addition, patrons will find a full suite of new items, including breakfast and muffin meal combos, pasta dishes, breadsticks and a unique Italian gelato dessert.
Restaurant: The Great Bambino
Location: 1305 N. Fremont
Hours: 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Mon.-Thurs.
6:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri.
8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat.
Contact: 522-6575
