What Would You Love to See Move In This Spot in Downtown Missoula?

Walking downtown this weekend, I found myself on the corner of Higgins and Broadway where the Pink Elephant used to be. I looked inside and thought, boy, this is an excellent spot for a local business. And like all local business news, I wondered, what will go in there next?

The location is currently for rent and you can check out the listing if you are looking for retail space.

However, when I looked last weekend, there weren't any obvious signs that another business was moving in yet. I thought we could all brainstorm about what we'd like to see in a space like this one. Here are a few ideas for what could go into 301 N Higgins. 

Zest Kitchen & Cookware

The Kitchen Store based in Billings has a fantastic array of cookware, bakeware, cultery and private cooking classes as well. You can even pick up cooking tips on their social media accounts. With the news that a Bozeman business has expanded to downtown Missoula, I'd love to see this business expanded to Missoula. 

A Bodega 

Not to be confused with the Bodega on Ryman, but the kind that is a convenience store. It might be nice to have another market or grocery store, like Worden’s. Some place to pick up some toothpaste and a gallon of milk, maybe some produce too. 

The Sports Bra 

 A while back I wrote about how Missoula needs a bar like The Sports Bra where they only show female sports. I think a bar like this could do really well here. Even if it wasn't a sports bar for women's sports, maybe there's another type of bar that could go in this location and something different than the bars already in downtown Missoula. 

Old School Arcade 

Yes, there is an arcade in the mall and one in the basement of the Guild, but wouldn’t it be fun to have an arcade with pinball machines, Atari, Pac-Man, Mortal Kombat, and Big Buck Hunter? 

Soda Fountain and/or Old Fashioned Diner 

Wouldn't it be great to have a dedicated place to get milkshakes? Learning about the Clydesdale Creamery that will open in Whitefish has me nostalgic for another business like the Uptown Diner. Something kitschy and tasty.

It would be nice to see something new, but if you are feeling nostalgic, here are some Missoula businesses that Missoulians would like to see return. Maybe one of these could get resurrected and move into this space.