Established in 2011

In 2011, three guys in the food business dreamed of creating a restaurant that offered fresh, bold seafood. Their vision was somewhat new to the Idaho food business (seafood and sushi in the land of potatoes, whaaaa?!), but they combined their over 50 years of collective culinary experience then rallied their most trusted friends and colleagues to make a lifelong dream come true. And voilà! The first Lucky Fins was founded in Meridian, Idaho.

After opening a third Lucky Fins in Downtown Boise in 2013, the founders felt there was more to aspire to within their brand. As customer-centered business owners who value feedback, they recognized one primary remark: guests loved the restaurant but had certain friends or family who were not fans of sushi or seafood. This was a great opportunity for our chefs to demonstrate culinary skills developed while training in the South and on the East Coast. The team began experimenting with creative, non-seafood dishes and dropping these dishes off at the diners’ tables for feedback. From smoked ribs to Southern-style Nashville Fried Chicken, the response was overwhelmingly positive.

For our fourth location in Littleton, Colorado, we couldn’t consider this another “Lucky Fins” restaurant — because menus provided dishes that other locations didn’t offer. So, we got creative. That is when six Smokin’ Fins locations were born — in the Denver area, Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Chandler, Arizona (near Phoenix).

Zen Baja was the latest concept in the Fins family and offers a trendy, fast, hip, and modern way to eat your favorite Asian and Latin-inspired dishes and brings them together all in one place. Located on Broadway Ave. in Boise (near BSU), the restaurant provides a wide variety of bowls, tacos, and sushi rolls, all for a steal of a deal.

Acero is our latest venture. An upscale yet approachable dining experience in downtown Boise that boasts beautiful bruschetta boards, creative charcuterie boards, and a unique wine selection, Acero is a truly unique dining experience. Located in the heart of the Grove, Acero is a wonderful place to meet friends for a casual cocktail, enjoy a variety of shareable small plates, and even indulge in a little sweet treat. From boards, to flatbreads, to pasta, Acero provides quality food with a beautiful aesthetic. Acero opens to the public November 2023.

Our roots may be in seafood, but we've ventured out into many different concepts. We love great food, and we're passionate about sharing that with our local communities.