The end of the 2024 summer season marked the closure of multiple downtown businesses. While some are shuffling their cards and locations — more on those places next week — these few decided it was time to close the book.
In the words of Downtown Billings Association’s Development Director, Mehmet Casey, “It’s a mixed basket.”
“There are certain challenges that retailers are facing, but there are many personal reasons as well that are merely a coincidence,” Casey said. “This ebb and flow of business closures as well as openings is something we experience on a regular basis, at least in my five-year tenure here.”
One of the downtown closures we learned of this week was Lil’ Market Groceries at 207 N. Broadway. The little market worked its way into the hearts of downtown residents and workers over its five-year residency within the downtown business community.
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Lil’ Market Groceries in downtown Billings is going out of business.
Owners Travis and Lynisa Hoem found themselves in debt following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and haven’t recovered. Their debt, paired with distribution issues (which would have forced them to raise prices) and petty theft, left the Hoems considering closure.
“It was good while it lasted,” she said. “We really appreciate our loyal customers and getting to meet the people and businesses downtown. We’ll miss that fellowship.”
Lynisa Hoem talks about the closure of Lil’ Market Groceries in downtown Billings on Tuesday.
Sentiment among downtown regulars is that they’ll be missed, and the convenience of having a downtown neighborhood store will be missed as well. Who knows, perhaps the niche will be filled with a future tenant; the word is out.
Dax’s Wings N Things, in its second year of business on 2nd Avenue North, announced on Thursday they will be closed by Monday, Oct. 7. Owner Brandon Miller said foot traffic is not a problem for him downtown and he has a loyal customer base and many delivery orders, but it’s the price of inflation that is causing his business to close. Having already raised prices once, he didn’t want to have to do it again. If things look up in the future though, he plans to return and would like to be downtown once again.
Dax’s Wings N Things owner Brandon Miller says goodbye, but hopefully, I’ll see you later.
Dax’s food truck is making its last rounds, stopping at High Plains Brewing through the evening Friday, Oct. 4, and lastly, at the Rocky Mountain College football game, on Saturday, Oct. 5.
“It comes with great heartbreak and sadness that we have to announce the following,” their Facebook post said. “Our last day (open) will be on Sunday, Oct. 6.”
Dax’s Wings N Things owner Brandon Miller and daughter Summer sell wings out of the family food truck on their last week of business, Friday, Oct. 4.
Cham Thai, a 30 year-plus family-owned landmark business on 1st Avenue North, quietly closed this summer. The restaurant adopted the strict seating and service guidelines enforced during the initial onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but never let up in following years due to a family member’s ailing health. Since their quiet closure, the owner of the building has been busy updating the space in anticipation of a new tenant, Casey said.
Chaikhana, the restaurant that featured Turkish, Central Asian and Eastern European dishes at 216 N. Broadway, recently closed, also with no notice. The eatery which originally caught on at their location inside Rimrock Mall, opened their second location downtown in March of this year. According to Google reviews, it appeared clientele found their food, service and hours inconsistent.
While the COVID-19 pandemic did raise the the challenges that business owners must overcome, businesses that were able to pivot and adapt to the new world and build a more robust social media presence have not only weathered the pandemic but are excelling, Casey said. First impressions, as always, are critical to a small business’ success.
A prime example of a thriving post-pandemic startup in downtown Billings is Spitz’ Mediterranean Street Food, at 313 N. Broadway. This hip, modern, Mediterranean-fusion restaurant is in its second year of business and it’s busier than ever.
Stepping into Spitz at noon on a given weekday will find a bustling atmosphere, with patrons sitting at high-top tables, in line to order, and eagerly leaving with food to go. Spitz franchisee owners Jenna and Peter O’Brien know how to attract the post-COVID consumer. They have a strong online presence and offer every form of restaurant service, including order in, take-out, catering, and even delivery.
Spitz in downtown Billings is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the week.
Spitz recently announced their delivery service via social media, “Get it delivered! From our wraps to our gyro and our award-winning fries, veggie bowls and our vegan menu — Spitz is always fresh, always flavorful, always delicious. Head to our site and order today!”
Have a Billings business tip? Send an email to lpalmer@billingsgazette.com.
