Closed for Good: Montana Restaurants & Stores We Miss

As time goes on, change is inevitable—and the longer you live in one place, the more you notice it. Growing up, there were plenty of mom-and-pop shops and local restaurants that were staples in the community. Many of them have closed their doors over the years, but they still live on in our memories. You know the kind—places that come up in conversation with a nostalgic, "Remember when we used to go to...?"

Thinking about all those long-lost favorites, we decided to ask our listeners: "If you could bring back one local restaurant or store that closed, which one would it be—and why?" The responses came flooding in, and Montanans didn't hold back. Here are some of the most-loved places folks around here would give anything to see make a comeback.

What Stores OR Restaurants Do Montanans Wish Would Come Back?

Frontier Pie
This was a beloved family-style restaurant and bakery that apparently had fantastic pies. Frontier Pies was located at 302 N. 7th Avenue in Bozeman. The building is now home to the Fork & Spoon Cafe.

Santa Fe Reds

As Bozeman’s first full-service Mexican restaurant and cantina, Santa Fe Reds held a special place in many locals’ hearts. After serving the community for over 26 years, the restaurant sadly closed its doors in 2021—a casualty of the pandemic. For many, it was more than just a place to grab a bite; it was a Bozeman staple.

Hastings
If you grew up in Montana, you probably spent more than a few hours wandering the aisles of Hastings. This beloved chain sold books, movies, music, games, and more. Sadly, they filed for bankruptcy and shut down all locations in 2016. Hastings stores could be found in Bozeman, Butte, Helena, Billings, Great Falls, and Missoula—and Montanans still miss them today.

Leaf & Bean
Bozeman has no shortage of coffee shops, but few have left a legacy like Leaf & Bean. Known for its cozy atmosphere, quirky gifts, and (of course) fantastic coffee, it was a local favorite until it closed in 2015.

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Other local places that Montanans would like to see return and should be mentioned include:

• Sylvesters
• Perkins
• Ferraros
• Godfathers
• Hinky Dink
• 4B's and JB's