Montana Bar set to reopen

December 31st, 2017 marked the last day the iconic Montana Bar in Broadus was open for business. That span of time is due to end as new owners Anne and Willie Gergen have the bar set up to reopen this Friday.

The Gergens recently purchased the bar from previous owners, Floyd and Donna Mitchell. Anne worked in the old Montana Café growing up, where she washed dishes and learned to waitress. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to keep the old building open. The business has been a landmark for generations, and I'm happy to continue the tradition," she said during a Monday interview.

The building has a long history in the community. First opened in 1941 by Thomas & Rose Gilmore, the building housed the bar, a really cool café, and the "Red Velvet Room" in the back, where dinner parties and many dances took place over the years. The business changed hands several times over the years, with the Pecoras, the Sterlings, and the Mitchells owning the property for the bulk of the years.

Anne and crew have been working hard to remodel the building, while keeping intact much of what made it such a timeless cornerstone of the downtown Broadus skyline for the last 78 years. The sign out front is still there. The rock wall behind the bar remains, with a large collection of mounts gazing down on patrons from the tall ceilings.

A fresh coat of paint on walls, floor, and ceiling are set to greet customers, while the bar itself is being re-finished to match the rest of the interior. Anne said she matched the trim paint to the grout used on the original rock wall behind the bar, a nice touch which gives the entire establishment a comfortable feel when you walk in the door.

New pool tables and cues stand ready for billiards players to hone their skills, while gambling machines are lit and ready to attract those who are so inclined to play.

A full host of drinks will be ready on opening day, and bar food such as pizza and sandwiches will be available. Two "shake-a-day" pots will be available on opening day, as well.

Anne said the back room – the Red Velvet Room, will be open for events, and she hopes to have live music on occasion. She also plans on having someone available to give folks a ride home, should they become overly inebriated.

Gergen plans on having food available on the 4th of July for folks to stop in and see the remodel. Anne wanted to thank everyone who made the project possible: the government officials in Helena, her inspectors, and especially this community for their words of encouragement. She also wanted to thank Floyd and Donna for all their help, as well as all the folks who helped with the remodel.

Anne happily commented on the re-opening, encouraging locals to "Come on in and have some fun."

Hours of operation for the Montana will be from 10 AM to 2 AM, Monday through Saturday, while on Sunday the bar will be open from 1 PM to close.