Manager and now owner Robert Balch brings years of experience in the food industry to the restaurant. He learned how to cook from his mom at a young age and taught himself how to make a variety of foods.
“I like to cook at home and create different recipes. It’s just something that’s always been kind of natural to me. I’ve been cooking since I was like four,” he said.
When Robert was a teenager, he worked at Papa Tom’s Pizza in Idaho Falls. He also worked with Albert O’Ryan III, the original owner of Leo’s Place, at some of his restaurants.
“I had actually worked in his previous restaurant at Choices and I also worked at Godfather’s Pizza, so I just kind of followed Albert my whole career,” Robert said.
Robert has been at Leo’s Place for 22 years. Albert and Robert have known each other for decades and have created a friendship over the years. Robert said he’s always been good to work for and has treated people fairly.
Throughout his time at Leo’s Place, he’s enjoyed watching generations of families come back to the business.
“We have a lot of recurring customers and we get to be a part of their party every year. Then, once they grow up, they have kids, they bring their kids back in. I’m three, possibly four generations in as far as watching their families grow,” he said.
For families who have never experienced Leo’s Place, he encourages them to check it out, explore the games, and try some food that includes pizzas, salads, garlic bread and burgers.
“We’re doing a sirloin steak burger with fries and tots. We wanted something unique, and it comes on a brioche bun. It’s a little upscale,” Robert said.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the grill was shut down. It recently reopened and Robert said they want to expand the grill menu. As for pizzas, the dough is made daily along with the pizza sauce. There are take-and-bake pizzas that people can come in, buy, and then bring home.
“I actually have instructions so you can learn how to cook them on your own grills,” he said. “I’ve got people who use their own smokers to smoke their pizza.”
Leo’s Place, located at 155 South Holmes Avenue, has been serving families since 1999 with seating inside to accommodate hundreds of people.
“It’s a place where people can bring their kids and let them play in the jungle gym. They can relax and enjoy some time either by themselves or in adult conversation,” Robert said.
There’s a wide range of games to play, too, with over 70 to choose from. After playing games, there is a redemption counter to get prizes.
“Some are single players and some are multiplayer. We’ve got games for the tiny tots from four years old down. They can play and experience games,” he said. “We’ve got basketball, Connect Four, and racing games.”
The indoor jungle gym features slides, a rope ladder, a suspension bridge, a tunnel, and more.
There are two private rooms that people can rent to host birthday parties. Each one can hold over 40 people. For more information, check out Leo’s Place on Facebook or by calling 208-529-5090.