Here’s some business news in the Missoula area:
The company that owns fast-food chains Del Taco and Jack in the Box has announced that it has reached an agreement for six Del Taco restaurants in Montana and Wyoming and six Jack in the Box restaurants for Montana and Wyoming. The Missoulian was unable to get a response about how many stores would be in Montana and which cities would get locations.
“We achieved several important milestones for our business in 2023 including positive unit growth, successful new market openings, accelerated Del Taco refranchising, strong same stores sales performance and improvements in restaurant-level profitability,” said CEO Darin Harris. “Despite some industry headwinds, we are excited about our opportunity in 2024 to expand both brands into new markets and continue driving our transformational growth strategy.”
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Draught Works Brewery in Missoula has acquired a license that allows them to stay open later, serve wines and ciders and serve each customer more than 48 ounces per day. Draught Works is now open from noon until 10 p.m. and will extend hours in the summer. Their beverage options now include red, white and sparkling wines to go along with offerings from Western Cider. Bartenders are always looking out for safety, but they are allowed to serve customers more than 48 ounces. And they will also be expanding their events as well. The brewery is hosting a Wednesday Night Trivia on Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. They’ll also host Tuesday Night Jazz every Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. starting in March.
A new food truck called Boboblastic has popped up at 4570 N. Reserve St. in Missoula. They serve boba tea, poke bowls and other items like hot dogs, chicken wings and nachos. Their website says they’re open from Tuesday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. until 7 p.m., then on Fridays and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Big Creek Coffee has closed its shop on Russell Street in Missoula.
“Looking back to the uncertainty that surrounded 2020, it’s hard to believe we were able to move forward with opening a second shop, something we had hoped to do for a long time,” said owner Randy Lint in an Instagram post. “Despite the challenges, we chose to move forward, seeking a new challenge and the opportunity to bring our concept to a larger market. Our Missoula shop boasts a remarkable 4.8 Google rating, a testament to the incredible community we’ve become a part of.”
He said they’ve hired “wonderful young people from the Missoula community and we have formed lasting relationships with patrons, neighbors, other small businesses and nonprofits alike.”
“But, at the end of the day, we have decided not to renew our lease, and to close the doors on this chapter and this dream,” Lint said. “Our website, subscription service, wholesale business and Hamilton cafe will all continue to thrive. We look forward to serving you through these outlets and staying connected on Instagram and Facebook pages.”
Their last day was Jan. 28.
Hobby Lobby, which is currently in the process of opening a new store at Southgate Mall in Missoula, is holding a hiring event here. The location will be at the Fairfield Inn at 5252 Airway Boulevard, and they’ll be accepting applications from Feb. 5 through Feb. 9 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Feb. 10 from 8 a.m. until noon. People can also apply online at careers.hobbylobby.com. A company representative did not respond when asked when the new store would be open.
Missoula Outdoor Learning Adventures, known as MOLA, has been sold to a Wyoming company called Wilderness Adventures. MOLA has been providing outdoor adventure camps and classes for kids for many years.
Porter Hammitt, who was the former owner of MOLA, said it’s good news for the community.
“Wilderness Adventures operate adventure travel programs for teens all over the world,” he said. “They are one of the leading providers of those programs in the U.S., and really, the world. I know that while Wilderness Adventures is keeping things much the same for MOLA (including the name), they also have plans for some exciting changes. It will really change the landscape of summer camps in Missoula.”
David Erickson is the business reporter for the Missoulian.
