Several classic Missoula restaurants are closing this fall season, breaking countless locals’ hearts. Many of these restaurants have been here since the ‘90s and were an integral part of creating the Downtown Missoula locals love and tourists come to experience. Missoulian culture is certainly feeling the loss, though new restaurants are already coming in to take up a hopefully permanent spot in the developing world of Downtown.
The first to fall was Bagels on Broadway which closed its doors in early 2023. The beloved breakfast place has been open since 1993 and was a local favorite for grabbing a good cup of coffee and a quick bagel sandwich. Their closing was originally supposed to be a temporary one meant for renovations, though for unstated reasons the closure became permanent.
Thankfully there was only about a month-long lag where we had no access to bagels and baked goods as the newer Morning Birds Bakery has taken over the space and is giving downtown the same warmth and sweetness as bagels did. Though Bagels On Broadway will be missed, its location will still get the love it deserves from locals.
Lydia Milbrat, a downtown restaurant frequenter said that she will miss the various bagels and delicious soups Bagels was known for. She also said that “downtown doesn’t quite feel the same when you drive through it because of all the changes made to the infrastructure”. Expressing her remorse for the lost atmosphere downtown once held for her.
The next to fall was Sa Wad Dee which closed Sept. 1. This Missoulian classic was first opened in 1997 by owner Sumalee Tdim Foy. Foy is retiring after 26 long years as owner of Sa Wad Dee and handing ownership over to her daughter. The two decided to transition to a food truck, so though it may be gone from Downtown some of the menu items will not be gone forever.
The most recent closure was that of Burns St. Bistro on Oct. 1. The cafe and restaurant opened in 2012, and though it is a more recent addition it claimed its way into the hearts of many foodies throughout Missoula. Known for their candied bacon and late weekend brunches, after nearly 12 years of service, they’re closing. Though they have not stated the entire reason, they’re still offering catering and priorly committed events to end their legacy. Milbrat also stated that she would miss the yummy huevos rancheros and the warm atmosphere she had enjoyed when going to brunch with friends at the Bistro.
The last set to close is The Catalyst, due to close its doors on Nov. 22. The Catalyst is closing its doors more as a practicality versus some of the more personal reasons of the other restaurants. The building is approaching the end of its lease, and as the owners are approaching their older age they are experiencing difficulties in the operation and continuation of their restaurant.
Sadly, though the Catalyst was put up for sale several times already, nobody had an interest in buying it. The legacy and popularity may be too intimidating for any new aspiring owners. Many will miss their hash browns, but many more will miss the sweet welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant with a clear view of developing Missoula.
Though it is common for restaurants to grow and change, the sudden spike of closure of many Missoulian classics is heartbreaking and leaves a growing hole in the culture of downtown Missoula.
A likely cause for the mass closures is the ever-changing infrastructure of downtown Missoula. Buildings that had stood for decades have been torn down and already rebuilt. Many of these small restaurants are either forced to change and grow into the new Missoula or be left behind in the past.
