Bozeman’s “Wishlist” Increases As Growth Continues

It's time for our annual list of "New Businesses Bozeman Needs."

With all of the construction around town, people are always chiming in on what Bozeman needs next. Oh, sure, there are the cries for the "In-N-Out" and "Trader Joe's", but other than those two, what do the folks of Bozeman really want?

First, is there anything we need?

I know some men would say that a store or two that offers affordable dress clothes for the fellas would be nice. It seems when it comes to our wardrobes, the stores that we currently have are more geared to the ladies.

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I also know that whenever we talk about this, lots of folks chime in on some sort of indoor facility that includes activities for the kids. Personally, I couldn't agree more. I mean, we have millions of folks that travel through here each year, could you imagine what an indoor facility with go-carts, batting cages, and putt-putt could do?

It should be mentioned that the Mall got a really nice makeover and name change, and along with that, some really cool new stores, such as Arhaus, Anthropologie, Luluman, Sephora, and more.

What makes the list of things we would like to see come to Bozeman?

• Chick-fil-A - Yes, they have one on campus, but it has limited hours and is hard to get to. The rumor is that we will soon have a second location at 19th and I-90.
• Trader Joe's - For whatever reason, the desire for this one is strong. Folks love Trader Joe's, and it seems a large population won't be happy until we have one here.
• Scheels - Personally, it's one of my favorite stores. Plus, we have one in Billings and Missoula, so I don't see why we can't have one in Bozeman. It would be perfect on I-90 towards the airport.
• Dutch Brothers Coffee - I realize that we have 200 places that serve coffee in Bozeman, but it seems that some folks would like to add another one.
• Buc ee's - Listen, I don't get the love for a convenience store, but the love is real. Every time I've ever been around one, I couldn't find a parking place to stop to go inside and see what the fuss is all about.
• In-N-Out Burger - I used to love this place, and I would have been all about seeing one come to Bozeman. However, the last couple of times I've eaten at one, it was just ok, so maybe my taste buds are changing.

Now, I realize that most of these are big corporate "box stores", but let's be honest, isn't that kind of what Bozeman is now? I mean, sure, we still have the mom and pop places like the Western Cafe and the Lewis and Clark, but so much of the growth are high rise, boxy, overpriced apartments that most of us can't afford.

Is another chain store or two going to make a big difference?

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