Neighbor Tim’s BBQ, a locally grown Treasure Valley barbecue brand, is preparing to open its newest location in Meridian, Idaho, targeting a mid-September debut at 1410 W. McMillan Rd. in North Meridian. The expansion marks a milestone for the five-year-old business and signals continued confidence in Meridian’s booming dining market.
A New Home Next to a Gas Station
The new Meridian outpost will occupy a space formerly held by the Gandolfo’s sandwich shop, situated directly adjacent to a Stinker gas station. Far from seeing that as a drawback, owner Tim Goebel views the pairing as a natural fit. “I’ve always felt like a gas station and a barbecue spot are like best friends, you know what I mean,” Goebel said.
That vision is getting a physical form: plans call for a walk-through passage connecting the Stinker station and the new Neighbor Tim’s, making it easy for customers to grab fuel for their car and themselves in a single stop. The location will also offer indoor seating, outdoor seating, and a drive-thru — giving North Meridian diners multiple ways to get their fix of slow-smoked meat.
What’s on the Menu
Customers can expect the same menu that built Neighbor Tim’s loyal following across the Treasure Valley. Staples include brisket, pulled pork, German sausage, baby back ribs, and BBQ chicken, rounded out by classic sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad. The combination of hearty proteins and scratch-style sides has driven steady repeat business at the brand’s existing locations.
Meridian has seen a steady influx of new restaurant concepts this year. California chain El Pollo Loco is also bringing its first Idaho location to Meridian, adding to a local dining scene that continues to attract both regional and national operators. Neighbor Tim’s expansion stands out as a homegrown success story — a Boise-born concept growing on its own terms.
How Neighbor Tim’s Got Here
Goebel launched the original Neighbor Tim’s location at 7802 W. Goddard Rd. in Boise back in 2021. A second spot followed in 2022 at The Warehouse, a mixed-use development that has housed several local food and retail concepts. The Meridian location would bring the count to three active Neighbor Tim’s sites.
The road to this expansion has not been without turbulence. A related venture, Tim’s Burgers, opened at The Boardwalk in early 2025 but closed in October of that year. Tim’s Burgers and another concept, Bao Boi, subsequently filed lawsuits against Crispy Investments — the landlord at The Boardwalk — alleging lease violations and defamation. Those legal proceedings remain separate from the Neighbor Tim’s brand and its ongoing expansion plans.
Despite those setbacks, Goebel is pressing forward. When asked about future growth beyond Meridian, he made clear the search is ongoing. “We’re still on the hunt for the best corner we can find,” he said.
What Meridian Residents and Businesses Can Expect
The North Meridian corridor along McMillan Road has developed into one of the most commercially active stretches in Ada County, drawing both national chains and independent operators. Adding a drive-thru barbecue option to that stretch gives commuters and families in the area a fast, casual alternative rooted in locally made food rather than a franchise formula.
For Ada County’s broader economy, the Neighbor Tim’s expansion represents another data point in the story of homegrown Treasure Valley businesses finding room to grow. As large employers and distribution operations eye the Boise area for expansion, local food entrepreneurs are quietly adding locations, jobs, and sales tax revenue alongside the headline-grabbing corporate arrivals.
What Comes Next
Neighbor Tim’s is targeting a mid-September opening for the 1410 W. McMillan Rd. location in North Meridian. Diners interested in the new spot can watch for updates from the restaurant as build-out progresses through summer. Those eager to try the menu before September can visit the original Boise location at 7802 W. Goddard Rd. or the second location at The Warehouse in the meantime.