Twin Falls is getting a new dining option this fall as Smokin’ Fins, a seafood restaurant with Idaho roots, prepares to open its doors in the former Johnny Carino’s building on the north side of town.
The announcement marks another sign of continued commercial growth in the Magic Valley, adding to a stretch of Blue Lakes Boulevard that is already seeing new activity. The Smokin’ Fins location sits directly across the street from the soon-to-open In-N-Out Burger, making the corridor one of the more closely watched commercial blocks in Twin Falls right now.
A Brand With Idaho Roots
Smokin’ Fins traces its origins back to 2008, when the concept launched under the name Lucky Fins in Meridian. The chain has since grown and rebranded, now operating locations in Idaho Falls and Colorado in addition to the planned Twin Falls site.
The menu is built around fresh seafood, sushi, oysters, and cocktails, rounded out with grilled entrées for diners who prefer something off the flame. The combination puts it in a different lane from most of the existing restaurant options in Twin Falls, where seafood-forward dining has historically had limited representation.
The restaurant confirmed the expansion on social media, expressing enthusiasm about entering the Twin Falls market. “We couldn’t be more excited to call Twin Falls home. We can’t wait to meet our neighbors, become part of the community, and welcome everyone in this fall,” the company stated.
Renovation Work Underway
Visible signs of preparation were already evident at the site by the end of June. Blue dumpsters were photographed outside the former Johnny Carino’s building on June 30, indicating interior work is actively underway to convert the space for the new tenant.
The former Johnny Carino’s location has sat vacant for some time, making the Smokin’ Fins announcement a welcome development for a building that had become one of the more prominent empty commercial spaces along that stretch. Repurposing an existing structure is generally faster and less costly than ground-up construction, which could help support the fall 2026 timeline the company has projected.
Twin Falls has seen steady commercial investment in recent years, with new retailers, restaurants, and service businesses continuing to fill vacancies and enter the market. The arrival of a recognizable regional chain like Smokin’ Fins fits a broader pattern of businesses recognizing the purchasing power and population growth occurring across the Magic Valley. For context on the residential growth fueling that demand, Twin Falls and the surrounding region have been part of Idaho’s sustained housing expansion, which has ranked the state at the top of the nation for growth two years running.
For small and mid-sized businesses looking to capitalize on that growth, resources are also expanding. The Small Business Administration recently moved to establish Idaho’s first dedicated Veterans Business Center following a request by Senator Risch, a step that could benefit veteran-owned businesses throughout the region, including those looking to open or expand in Twin Falls County.
What Comes Next
Smokin’ Fins has not announced a specific opening date beyond a general fall 2026 target. Renovation and interior build-out work appears to be in progress, and the company’s social media messaging suggests the team is actively working toward a community launch. Diners and local residents can expect more details — including a firm opening date, hiring announcements, and possible preview events — as the season approaches.
The Twin Falls restaurant scene continues to evolve, and the addition of a full-service seafood and sushi restaurant with an established regional track record gives residents another reason to stay local rather than making the drive to Boise or Idaho Falls for that style of dining.