Hungry Horse’s Huckleberry Patch is growing.

The little red building off of U.S. 2 has been under construction this winter, with plans to open up the restaurant and gift shop, modernizing the whole property. 

“I wouldn’t call it an expansion, but kind of like a facelift,” The Huckleberry Patch’s manager Skye Duncan said. “It’s going to keep that rustic country feel and everything, but just kind of bring it into the 21st century.” 

The ceilings will be higher, and the red exterior will be exchanged for a wood and dark metal and trim, sort of a “modern cabin” look. The front facade and layout will change so that the gift shop and restaurant areas are more distinguishable, with more floor space for the gift shop and a set of garage doors that will provide open-air seating for the restaurant. 

Looking to the future, The Huckleberry Patch hopes to have a dog park and eventually update the cannery and warehouse. Those changes might be a few years in the making. 

“The whole idea of opening up the outdoor space, the dog park, is kind of a stay-and-play thing,” said APEX Operations Manager Misty Howell, which is the company handling construction. “They get their ice cream and their meal and things, and this will give them the opportunity to be able to actually sit and enjoy.”

While the building is changing, Duncan noted The Huckleberry Patch itself is sticking to its roots — they will still serve the same huckleberry pie and milkshakes. 

“I think a lot of people are worried that we’re selling out, we’re definitely going to keep that small-town feel, we’re just hoping to improve the way things look as you’re driving in there and making it a nice place for someone to come,” Duncan said. 

With an entire kitchen, deli and expanded gift shop to staff, Duncan anticipated more employment opportunities for seasonal and year-round staffing. 

APEX hopes to be finished with construction by mid-May to early June. The gift shop will remain open throughout, with a 10% discount for those willing to brave the construction. 

While the restaurant and deli are shut down for the time being, The Huckleberry Patch is still selling pies and pastries. Winter hours are tentatively 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with social media being the best place to check for open hours. 

“It’s going to be worth it! That milkshake is going to taste 20 times better after people haven’t had it for five months,” Duncan said. 

“We’re just trying to give back to the community that has been so kind to us here, just by cleaning things up and making things look super nice.”