MEET THE MAN BEHIND THE NUTS!
Photo from, “10 Reasons to Love Boise’s New Food Scene”
We VISITED our friends at City Peanut Shop where they create small-batch, hand-crafted artisan peanuts, tree nuts, brittles, butter and more. As a small business, the shop loves all things Boise, Idaho, outdoor adventures, and real food and drink.
In the heart of Downtown Boise, Dan Balluff, a truly talented man, has created quality, small-batch and tasty nuts, brittles, chocolates, and popcorns. Dan grew up in the Midwest, far from mountains, but could always count on his local peanut shop to satisfy. After traveling across the world throughout his previous corporate careers, Dan made his way closer to the mountains, eventually deciding to start a business of his own. Remembering his father used to advise him to open his own peanut shop, Dan carried that idea and stuck to it. It then wasn’t long until the doors to City Peanut Shop opened for business, right here in Downtown Boise.
With this journey came many obstacles. While Dan could begin to understand the trends and rise of “foodies” in the area, it was important for the nut shop to stand out. Many nut shops are based in the East Coast, South, and Midwest, making City Peanut Shop a first here in Boise. More than just roasted and salted nuts, City Peanut Shop appreciates the classics while also adding new flavor and collaborations, elevating their product. Dan focuses on the community and partnerships around the Boise area, specifically breweries!
“Sourced individually from high quality farms and locations, each ingredient is fresh, creating unmatched, ready to serve combinations and snacks.”
As one of the first individuals to do so, City Peanut Shop created a “Brewers Series” of nuts and mixes inspired by different craft beers in the area. The series includes Brewers Nuts, peanuts flavored specifically for beer, Pub Mix, Porter Nuts, and India Pale Ale Peanuts. Each of these being a perfect snack to go along with your favorite craft beer. In addition to the wide range of treats, the shop offers local beers, ciders, wine, and Boise gifts.
City Peanut Shop and Payette Brewing have had the pleasure of working together many times in the past. In addition to chocolate bars and a roast nut mix, Payette’s craft beer has continued to enhance these flavors and treats by mixing our finest product with City Peanut Shop's creations.
As a part of Payette Brewing’s Black Friday event, the brewery each year has the pleasure of incorporating our 12 Gauge Barrel Aged Imperial Stout into a limited release peanut brittle, creating the perfect match between the two of us.
Other collaborations have benefited both partners, bringing new customers and fans to each location as well as strengthening the Boise small business community. Dan has taken note of these relationships and uses them to best benefit for everyone involved.
In addition to City Peanut Shop in Downtown Boise, products can be found around the community including inside Payette’s Tap Room. Enjoy a beer in our Tap Room or beer garden, alongside a salty or savory snack, where we have select options from City Peanut Shop to choose from. Products can also be found at other local food and beverage establishments, the Boise Co-Op and select Albertsons Locations. We are forever grateful for the collaboration between Payette Brewing and City Peanut Shop and wish them continued success throughout the Boise community.