Despite the common belief that a large number of businesses are shutting down or vacating their downtown Billings locations to go elsewhere, the numbers have proved otherwise. We have seen that for every one business that has closed (due to COVID or other reasons), four more new businesses have opened up their doors in the downtown Billings area since January 2020.
In 2020 alone, there have been over 32 businesses who have opened their doors in our downtown neighborhood and as we write this we are anticipating even more to join us before the year is over.
Let’s explore some of these new to downtown Billings businesses:
Miss GiGi’s Sweets
2401 2nd Ave N
Their doors opened February, 2020 in the building where Log Cabin Bakery once was. Their menu of delights include candies, pastries, pies, breads, lunch items, and other favorites including previously popular items from the Log Cabin Bakery Menu.
Bitterroot Babies
2706 2nd Ave N
This community based non-profit opened January 21, 2020 to help local families in a way that is a hand-up instead of a hand-out. They primarily help foster families and families with young children who need a little extra help. They accept donations of gently used maternity clothes & clothes up to 5T plus any supplies such as diapers, bottles, nursing supplies, diaper cream, hygiene products, etc. Their located on 2nd Ave N. directly across from Park 3 Parking Garage entrance.
Paws & Reflect Pet Salon
3330 4th Ave N
Their second Billings location in downtown opened January 1st, 2020 in the building at the corner of Division & 4th Ave N (previously the location for Crooked Line Studio). They offer doggy daycare and dog/cat grooming for downtown and midtown residents and employees.
Bethany Joy Pilates
2202 1st Ave N
This contemporary boutique Pilates Reformer Studio opened February, 2020 in a easy to access location on 1st Ave N. This studio offers a low-impact, yet invigorating full-body workout experience that strengthens the core, engages the mind and lengthens and tones the body from head to foot, while also focusing deeply on control and alignment.
Fresh Hair Studio
121 N 29th Street
Alice opened her salon on in the middle of May. Fresh Hair Salon took over the space on N. 29th St, in the new Billings Symphony building. She’s happy to be located across the street from Toad N Willow, and next-door neighbors with Brockel’s Chocolate, Sassy Biscuit Co. Alice’s services include haircuts, hand-painted blonding, multi-dimensional color & gray blending, hand-tied extensions, & hair treatments.
Market Deli & Catering
207 N Broadway
This breakfast & lunch eatery opened mid April, 2020. They are located in the lower level of the Valley Credit Union Building on Broadway. They specialize in gourmet soups, salads, and sandwiches. They offer weekly meal prep and catering.
The Sourdough Bagel
219 N 29th Street
This location opened May, 2020 in the Behner Building two doors down from Barjon’s Books and nextdoor to Silver Threads Sewing & Alterations. They make bagels fresh daily and sell out before noon most days so swing in early and often.
Grand Building
100 N 27th Street
The Grand building, where Jake’s Downtown is located, has been busy recruiting new businesses to the downtown area. Some of the recent additions to the neighborhood include Parlour 406, Lumina Sun, Divine Growth, Elite Investigations, Variant Advertising, Juli Pierce Law, Bluebird Law & Public Affairs, , Foxy Fun Life, Beautiful Directions, Alpine Air.
Chalet Market
401 N 31st Street
Chalet Market opened their second branch next to Java Downunder in the First Interstate Tower. They specialize in deli sandwiches made with fresh baked bread, customizable salads, and multiple soups daily. You can dine-in, take-out. They also cater and deliver!
Thirsty Street @ the Garage
2123 1st Ave N
In early February, 2020, Thirsty Street Brewing Company purchased the former Yellowstone Valley Brewing Company location. Known to many locals as ‘The Garage. The new owners paid homage to the history of the location by keeping ‘The Garage’ in the name. The location has a great local stage for live musicians to perform. The brewing company operates the majority of their brewing and canning production in this new location.
Blue Bin Outlet
2804 Minnesota Ave
They opened in what is formerly known as ‘Granny’s Attic”on Minnesota Ave, just south of the historic Montana Ave. This thrift store by the pound offers a new way to thrift shop in Billings.
Yellowstone Valley Skating Center
2804 Minnesota Ave
Billings’ first synthetic ice rink opened early in the year in what’s known as ‘Granny’s Attic’ alongside Blue Bin Outlet. They offer public skating sessions, private lessons, and party rentals.
Billings Upper Deck Baseball
2804 Minnesota Ave
The offices of Billings Upper Deck baseball make up the third new business in 2020 to open inside the building formerly known as ‘Granny’s Attic. They offer competitive baseball at the 18U level with direct college exposure.
City Brew
27 N 27th Street
City Brew Coffee now occupies the 1st Ave N. street level corner space of the DoubleTree. This Montana owned business is known state-wide for their big city coffee shop vibes and friendly staff.
Zest Kitchen & Cookware
110 N 29th Street
Billing’s newest kitchen and cookware store opened officially September, 2020. They stock something for every kitchen, whether you’re a novice cook or home chef, they can equip you with the tools and expertise to approach cooking with zest.
Gratitude in Action (G.I.A.)
10 S 30th Street
G.I.A.is a non-profit thrift & consignment store with a mission is to fund recovery and sober living by creating a community that empowers men and women with the opportunity to become self-supporting.
Rail Line Coffee
104 S 29th Street
Opened summer 2020, they call themselves redemptive coffee house. As a ministry of Community Leadership & Development, Inc. (CLDI). They offer people a way out of poverty by providing job skills training & leadership development for individuals on the South Side of Billings, one cup at a time.
Inkredible Art Productions
213 N Broadway Suite 2
This new business opened downtown early September, 2020. They produce a range of art mediums such as oil and acrylic paintings, different styles and types of ink and graphite drawings, watercolor paintings, wood burning, glass etching, airbrushed artwork, interior and exterior paintings, murals and tattoos. Offer a community space for artists to purchase unique art supplies and display their artwork.
It’s only mid September and we anticipate there will be even more businesses opening in our downtown Billings neighborhood before the year ends. If you are interested in opening a business in downtown but not sure where to start your search, our downtown development team have a tool box of knowledge and contacts they would be happy to share with you, email mehmetc@downtownbillings.com to find out more.