Downtown Billings Rides the Wave: 25 New Business Openings Counter Economic Headwinds in 2025

Downtown Billings notched 25 new business openings in 2025, filling vacant storefronts with everything from prohibition-themed speakeasies to sustainable refill shops.

Development director Mehmet Casey called it a solid year despite the challenges facing local businesses across Montana.

Doc Harper's Tavern made headlines with their September expansion into The Waiting Room, a speakeasy that requires passwords for entry through a hidden bookshelf entrance.

Barb and Bruce Harper transformed the space next door to their 11-year-old martini bar into a prohibition-era throwback that quickly gained popularity with locals.

The medieval-themed Captain Scurvy's Black Dragon Den on Minnesota Avenue drew travelers with its Renaissance Festival atmosphere and costumed staff.

General manager Doug McIsaac acknowledged challenges including government shutdowns and soaring ingredient costs, particularly shrimp prices that nearly doubled.

Not all establishments weathered the economic storm successfully.

Eight downtown businesses closed in 2025, including beloved spots Wild Ginger, Bin 119, and Buffalo Block.

Casey's surveys revealed that food and beverage establishments faced the steepest challenges, with rising costs for merchandise, distribution, and staffing creating persistent headaches.

The closures weren't purely economic — some businesses shut down temporarily or for personal reasons unrelated to market conditions.

Last year ended with 11 business closures, but those vacancies were quickly filled as downtown's turnover accelerated.

Vacant spaces typically stay empty only three to six months before new tenants move in.

The diversity of new arrivals impressed local officials.

Rather than seeing clusters of similar businesses, downtown welcomed unique concepts that didn't previously exist in the area.

Katie Harrison's Billings ReFill Shoppe on 1st Avenue North represents this trend toward specialty retail.

Harrison reopened her sustainable goods store downtown two years after closing her Montana Avenue location, believing the downtown setting creates more natural relationships with thoughtful, personable shopping.

Looking ahead, momentum appears strong for 2026.

Nine new businesses are already planned for the first few months, including three retail establishments, two eateries, two service industry businesses, and one coffee shop.

Major development projects loom on the horizon.

Construction will begin on a seven-story Marriott hotel at 2704 Second Ave. N., redevelopment of the Old Billings Hardware building into retail and residential space, renovation of the Masonic Temple, and construction of the 12-story Futurity Tower.

For business owners who survived 2025's challenges, the continued growth feels encouraging.

Barb Harper believes more businesses downtown will drive additional growth for everyone.