Smokehouse planned for old Happy's location

Work has started inside the space on Park Avenue that used to be occupied by Happy's. The landlord, Thomas Development Co. of Boise, said it is leasing the space to Foster's Smokehouse.

Foster's Smokehouse is moving into the Earl Building on Park Avenue, where Happy Chinese Restaurant used to be. The 2,800 square feet is being remodeled into a fine dining establishment by Thomas Development.

Based in Boise, Thomas Development bills itself as "the leader in sustainable real estate development," It bought the 114-year-old Earl Building in 2008 and the following year it remodeled the interior common space and updated the historic facade. Pachanga's moved into the building in 2011, dramatically expanding its business from its first location on Capital Avenue.

"Thomas Development Co.'s goal is to make sure it continues to contribute to the community's economic vitality," a company news release said. The company has also developed the Bandon River, Rosselare and Summerhill apartment complexes in Idaho Falls.