See what Billings businesses opened, closed and expanded in March

New In Town

These Billings businesses opened in March. They’re the new kids on the block; now’s the chance to welcome them to the neighborhood and check out their wares.

Billings Refill Shoppe found a home in downtown Billings recently, next to Proof Donuts, at 2713 1st Ave. N., open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Refill Shoppe aims to provide customers with a sustainable retail experience, offering a variety of home and body products to "refill" your stock at home with Montana-made, raised and produced products sold in bulk. Customers can bring their own containers to fill, or a repurposed container to take home.

“This is harkening back to the olden days, when this was the only way to shop and there was so much less waste, and a closer relationship with the products, as well as the person selling those items,” owner Katie Harrison said. “Having my own place, selling the products that I believe in, while caring for our beautiful planet, it feels like a dream.”

Wicked Bull Trading Post — downtown Billings’ shiny new toy, showcasing traditional artistry and craftsmanship with a variety of handmade products — opened this month, at 112 N. Broadway.

“Tied closely to Native American culture throughout Montana, our furs, skulls, and leather products are ethically sourced through responsible practices that support conservation efforts,” the website states. “By honoring traditional, responsible use of natural materials, we provide a lot of high-quality, handcrafted goods with a deep connection to the land.”

Their grand opening event is at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 29, with a raffle giveaway, and 10% off all iron art.

“We’re officially opening our doors, and we couldn’t be more excited to join the amazing Downtown Billings community,” Wicked Bull Trading Post said in a social media post.

Michelle’s Pantry, inside Thirsty Street Brewing at 2123 1st Ave. N. opened for service in March, serving up a variety of globally inspired small bites made in-house by manager Michelle Feller.

Printed on Michelle’s Pantry stickers is the saying, “Loaf around and find out,” evoking a casual, curious frame of mind Feller hopes to create with her European and Mediterranean pub-inspired menu.

Magic City Bell Book and Candle — a purveyor of magical and spiritual — opened shop recently in downtown Billings, located at 14 ½ S. 27th St., open weekdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday, and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

“Anything from incense to books, candles to herbs. Learn about your astrological sign and even sign up for classes,” owner Laurie Rogers said in a social post.

Earthbound Café — as whimsical as it is delicious — opened the week of St. Patrick's Day, inside the atrium of the Valley Building at 207 N. Broadway in downtown Billings.

From grab-and-go items to restaurant quality dishes, Earthbound Café aims to be downtown Billings' weekday breakfast and lunch destination, open 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Billings is now home to a new Amazon delivery station, representing a $23 million investment in the local community and local leaders gathered to celebrate the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 10.  

The Billings delivery station, located at 6767 Tun Tavern Road, is the second in Montana, after one opened in Missoula in early 2024. Billings’ 39,000-square-foot delivery station serves Amazon customers within an hour radius of the city.

A Fond Farewell

Don Luis Restaurant — a family-owned downtown Billings staple of 23 years —quietly closed this month. No fanfare was made for one of the longest running Mexican restaurants in Billings. The space now sits vacant, the only remnant is the restaurant’s name stenciled on the wall in white paint.

The building at 15th North 26th Street is now listed for sale as an investment property with T&E Realty. The restaurant space is available for lease.

Business Additions

Shh… There’s a speakeasy in the basement of The Granary, at 1500 Poly Drive. And even though the word is out, you’ll have to find out how to get a coveted seat and a cocktail at this exclusive basement bar, it’s under wraps. The Cellar Bar quietly opened early this spring, serving an eclectic mix of highbrow cocktails on par with The Granary standards.

“The whispers are true…Our doors will only open for those on the list,” The Granary posted to their socials. “Find us if you can.”

Village Inn Pizza, at 2455 Central Ave., is now open Mondays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. This local’s favorite and reopened, longtime Billings pizza staple is now open seven days a week at its new home, on Central.  

City Brew is launching a new lineup of drinks and products this spring, starting with City Chargers — a fresh take on the classic fruit-flavored energy drink, using real fruit puree. City Chargers are available in mango, yuzu, blood orange, and strawberry flavors, and can be iced, blended or with a touch of cream.

“City Brew Coffee is raising the bar on handcrafted beverages with a renewed focus on premium ingredients and bold flavors,” a media release stated. “This spring, the popular coffee brand is kicking off an exciting new chapter, elevating the drink-making process and upgrading ingredients to create a richer, more flavorful experience.”

Local Distiller, National Awards

Undammed Distilling brought home a few medals to his new distillery location at 116 N. 11th St. recently. The American Craft Spirits Association’s Annual National Spirits Competition awarded Undammed Distilling Co. four medals.

“Every product we entered was awarded,” owner, distiller Allen Hodges said.

Ghost Creek Vodka won bronze, Thief Creek Straight Bourbon and Bear Skull Creek: A Montana Whiskey each brought home silver, and Shields River Single Malt Whiskey won gold. Stop by Hodges’ new tasting room for a taste of these award-winning spirits, open on weekdays, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A Makers Event  

Spring Art Market: Billings can shop local and Indigenous-made goods at the 2025 Spring Art Market, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at Billings First Congregational Church, located at 310 N. 27th St. in downtown Billings.

“My passion is bringing visibility to indigenous artists. Billings, Montana, has a plethora of underrepresented talent especially when it comes to Native artist,” artist and host Lili Munn said. “I have a mix of native and local artists that set up, with the idea of bringing together groups of creators to form relationships and business connections.”

Shoppers will have a variety of traditional Native American arts and crafts to peruse, like moss bags, beadwork, blankets, paintings, and printed materials. Other locally curated and created goods include sublimation, crocheted items, 3D printed creations, acrylic-cut earrings and vintage clothing.

Under Construction           

Construction is underway for two new car washes in Billings.

Dirt work has started for a Tidal Wave car wash going up on 24th Street, in front of Barnes and Noble, and a Smitty’s Car Wash is going up, at 3042 King Ave. West.

This will be the third Montana location of the corporate Texas-based business. Montana’s first Smitty’s Car Wash opened in Billings’ Heights in April. A second location opened shortly after, in Missoula. Helena is next.

Construction is underway for El Buen Sazon restaurant and Quick, Clean and Fresh laundromat to open on State Avenue in Billings this summer. The two-fold business sits at 4130 State Ave., and it aims to serve Billings’ South Side with authentic cuisine inspired by Guerrero, Mexico, and a modern, Spanish-language assisted laundromat service. Owner Nestor Chavez plans to open the Quick, Clean and Fresh laundromat by June and the connected, El Buen Sazon restaurant, soon after. 

Albertano’s Mexican Restaurant is going up at 1670 Shiloh Rd., sitting between City Brew Coffee and Topz Sandwich Co. Albertano’s is an authentic Mexican food chain of restaurants breaking into the Billings market. Other regional locations include Bozeman, Gillette, Wyoming, and Rapid City, South Dakota.

A new Starbucks location is going up at the corner of Shiloh Road and Monad, in front of Rocky Vista University. The Starbucks will have indoor seating and a drive thru, as well as some outdoor seating. What a better location for a coffee shop than one that students will have walking access to, from the Rocky Vista campus.

Construction for the new College of Veterinary Medicine is underway as well, directly behind Rocky Vista University, on Rocky Vista Way. Rocky Vista University announced their intent to develop the state's first College of Veterinary Medicine in Billings in January 2024. The university announced then that the footprint of the College of Veterinary Medicine will expand on the current Rocky Vista University campus in west Billings.

Construction of the college is forecasted to be complete by 2026, with plans to welcome its first class of students that fall. The first class, anticipated to be 125 students, will graduate in the summer of 2029.

Local Recognitions

Kampgrounds of America — the Billings-based business — is a finalist for the 2025 inspiring workplaces awards. KOA, a leader in outdoor hospitality, employs 1,200 staff throughout North America and within its corporate headquarters in Billings.

KOA was selected as a finalist for its commitment to creating a workplace culture built on connection, innovation, and well-being. With a mission to "connect people to the outdoors and each other," KOA has established a people-first environment that prioritizes professional growth, work-life balance, and a strong sense of belonging. The company’s core values — family-oriented, passionate, entrepreneurial, customer-focused, and innovative — guide every aspect of its business and employee experience.

"Being named a finalist for the 2025 Inspiring Workplaces Awards reflects the strong, people-first culture we’ve built at KOA," said Toby O’Rourke, CEO of Kampgrounds of America, Inc. "Our employees are the heart of our organization, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where they can build meaningful connections, thrive, and create to the best of their abilities. We recognize that work is just one part of a person’s life, and by taking a whole-person approach, we support our employees as multi-dimensional individuals with unique experiences, challenges, and aspirations."

Dude Rancher Lodge, at 415 N. 29th St. in downtown Billings was picked as Montana’s number one best “mom and pop” hotel in the state, followed by The Pollard in Red Lodge as number two, according to the Gunther Volkswagen Fort Lauderdale survey.

Gunther Volkswagen Fort Lauderdale polled 3,014 frequent road-trippers about their favorite family run hotels and motels across the U.S. From the responses, they put together a list of Montana's standouts. Locations in Billings and Red Lodge took the top two.

#1. Dude Rancher Lodge, Billings

Built in 1950, the Dude Rancher Lodge is a historic, family-owned motel that’s got a Western flair all its own. With 56 uniquely decorated rooms — think rustic touches and cowboy charm — it’s billed as “Billings’ most unique motel” for a reason. The blend of old-school vibes and modern comforts makes it standout, and the family running it keeps it warm and welcoming. This is a stay that feels like a nod to the frontier with all the perks of today.

#2. The Pollard Hotel, Red Lodge

The Pollard Hotel in Red Lodge is a historic, family-run spot with charming accommodations and an on-site restaurant that’s worth the trip alone. Close to outdoor adventures — think hiking and skiing — it’s got a prime spot, but the real draw is the cozy vibe inside, from the warm rooms to the welcoming feel. The family behind it makes sure you’re settled in with care, turning a stay into something special. This is a place where the mountains call, and the comfort keeps you.

Have a Billings business tip? Send an email to lpalmer@billingsgazette.com.