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Farmer Boys Restaurant, a quick-casual eatery at 2341 N. Las Vegas Blvd., opened in December 2011.
By Aida Ahmed 
Friday, Feb. 3, 2012 | 6 p.m.
A California-based chain that touts its made-to-order food has opened the first new restaurant in a redevelopment district near the new North Las Vegas City Hall.
Farmer Boys Restaurant, a “quick-casual” eatery, opened in December at 2341 Las Vegas Blvd. North, across the street from the North Las Vegas Justice Facility.
City officials hoped the $142 million city hall would spur growth throughout downtown North Las Vegas. Although slow to show major results, the redevelopment project has made progress, with an El Super supermarket locating down the street and a renovated Jerry’s Nugget Casino next door.
Franchise owner Jimmy Philippou chose downtown North Las Vegas as the spot for the third Farmer Boys outside of California (where the 30-year-old franchise originally started) after his first Farmer Boys at 4450 N. Lamb Blvd. did well. A third Farmer Boys Restaurant is in the valley at 5847 S. Decatur Blvd.
“At the time we found the location, (the city) wasn’t in a struggle,” Philippou said. “I still think that we are going to do well here. I believe in the people of North Las Vegas really trying to beautify this area.”
The restaurant’s walking distance from city buildings and a corner location also attracted Philippou, who said many court and city staff members come in for lunch.
In building the 3,300-square-foot restaurant, Philippou participated in a North Las Vegas Redevelopment Agency incentive program. For upgrading surrounding landscaping, signage, lighting and improving a nearby bus stop, the restaurant received a $54,000 tax reimbursement, said Brad Percell, the city’s redevelopment coordinator.
“Taxpaying people get something from the improvements,” said Percell, who noted such public improvements are instantly noticed. “It entices people to redevelop downtown.”
Nearby, Jerry’s Nugget Casino has received $494,000 in tax reimbursements for its public improvements.
Farmer Boys, which also offers a drive-thru option, employs 25 to 30 mostly North Las Vegas residents. But it’s hardly a fast-food joint, Philippou said.
“We’re not a McDonalds, we’re not a Wendy’s,” he said. “Our burgers are all made fresh. Don’t come in and expect to get your food in two minutes. With the drive thru, we try to get orders out within seven minutes.”
The building’s interior design also caters to its surroundings. With law-oriented décor, law books, scales of justice and a marble countertop, the sit-down area looks far from a fast-food restaurant.
The sign on the door reads “Breakfast, Burgers & More,” and Philippou said customers could expect orders made fresh. On the menu: everything from salads to sandwiches to desserts, but Philippou encourages customers to come in for the breakfast.
“I think we have a better breakfast than anybody in town,” he said.
Pretty good.
Wow! Real progress! A restaurant opened! Not too many of them around, are there? And how about Jerry's Nugget getting a mere half-mil to spruce up the place? $142 million for a new city hall and $494,000 to the Nugget? NLV must be flush with money. Oh, wait, it's broke and on the verge of bankruptcy but still, like so many bureaucrats, they can't stop spending like drunken sailors. Must be Dumbocrats running the asylum!
Seems like this place is worth a visit. Too bad lvfacts101 (Jerry Fink) and most republicans don't want to support small business. They would rather support big ones like McDonalds. No wonder most of them are overweight and age faster than most people in my opinion.
Mr. Fink,
They are providing some jobs and sprucing up the neighborhood. Also adding more tax base to the city and state.
Now what is it you have done again?
Restaurants do not provide real jobs. The dining market is a pie. If a person eats at one restaurant, they simply ignored another. If one restaurant didn't exist, the person would have gone to the other.
This is good news. And, the menu of Farmer Boys Restaurant looks like something I'll be trying soon. Best of luck to 'em.
I have been to FarmerBoys in Indio,CA many times.. It's a great place to go, their food is fabulous & their prices are more then reasonable.
Farmer Boys is one of our favorite places to stop when we're on the road in CA. (although the owner of each independantly owned store does have a lot to do with quality & service), we have never been disapointed. The food is fresh cooked, huge portions and the menu has a nice variety. Breakfast is good, the Fish fry is awesome and the Philly Beef is one of our favorites. If you've never been to a Farmer Boys, do yourself a favor and give it a try!
Have been to Farmer Boys on LVB in North Town 4 times since it opened. Two breakfasts and two dinner burgers. Food is good, hot and what we had was cooked to order. Eat in, take out, or drive-thru the choice is yours. Prices are on par with a Carl's or Denny's for americana type meals.