Salt Cafe opening estimated before the busy summer   

Andrew Perkins, the owner of Salt Cafe, received $64,800 from the Polson City Commission during its meeting on March 2, which will help him complete work on his Salt Cafe and hopefully open the establishment before the onset of Polson’s hectic summer.  

Perkins explained that the Cafe's goal is to be a late-night hangout spot in town. He and his wife, Kat, plan for it to be an expanded coffee shop that’s open from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. or midnight. They plan to serve coffee and kombucha, along with gourmet pretzels and possibly crepes.   

Andrew noted they have a 5,000-square-foot space for the Cafe where people can gather or work. They also have a conference room that can be reserved for business meetings or groups.   

Perkins had been awaiting this funding from the Tax Increment Finance District grant he received nearly three years ago. The 2023 grant was for remodeling the former Polson Home Floor Covering building on Main Street, according to previous Leader reporting.   

Perkins applied for four extensions over the years until 2025, when the TIF District expired. There were also significant delays in meeting the grant requirements was due to an encroachment permit needed from the Montana Department of Transportation.   

Further complications were also caused by the requirement that Perkins rebuild the sidewalk and handicap ramp. The commission awarded the entire grant amount to Perkins after he submitted a written request to the city.    

He said this grant was for reimbursement of costs for remodeling the exterior of the building, installing ADA ramps and bathrooms, along with replacing the wiring in the 1912 building. Perkins said this reimbursement freed up some credit for them, allowing him to purchase the hood vent system and build the bar front.  

Former Starbucks finds new tenant 

As Polson gears up for the beloved Flathead Cherry Festival, Polson Farmers’ Market and warm summers at the lake, local restaurants are opening back up and some new options are on the table.  

In the previous Starbucks location off Highway 93, a new tenant called Mr. Burritos Mexican Food is planning to come to town this June. Mr. Burritos is a Montana fast-food chain born out of Bozeman and owned by Mario Rodriguez.  

Rodriguez has been in business for six years and has three locations in Bozeman. This year he’s opening the Polson location and one near Billings.  

Mr. Burritos has breakfast burritos, regular burritos, tacos, quesadillas and more with Mexican flavors. Rodriguez said the Polson location will have the same menu as his Bozeman locations.  

Rodriguez was born in Mexico but has called Montana home for the last 27 years. He explained the former Starbucks location will only need some new paint, signage and kitchen equipment before they start serving Polson.  

“We're excited. And we prepare really good food. It’s always fresh and has good flavor,” Rodriguez said.  

Tour of Asia delayed  

The former Thai Hot Spot Cafe also has a new owner, Swan Aung and his family, who are planning to open a restaurant that serves a variety of Asian food.  

Tour of Asia was projected to open its drive-thru last December, according to previous Lake County Leader reporting. However, Aung said funding has delayed their plans, and they hope to open the dine-in restaurant this summer.  

“It's just like a slow process. We're trying our best, but we don't have a set opening date yet,” Aung said.  

Aung and his family closed on the restaurant in late fall, purchasing the Hot Spot f Gop Lambson, who had operated it for 23 years. Aung’s family operates Sushi Palace and the Dessert Palace in Missoula and is excited to open their first storefront in Polson after many trips to the lake for vacation.  

Aung’s parents and aunt grew up in Myanmar and immigrated to Billings in 2005. Myanmar is situated between Thailand and China, which Aung’s aunt, Ingyin Neing said gives them plenty of experience with different types of Asian cuisine, according to previous reporting. With the Tour of Asia restaurant, they plan to serve Thai, Chinese and Indian food, and a little bit of everything from Asia.  

Others reopen after winter closures 

The Durham Kitchen and Cocktails is back open after briefly closing for renovations.  

Bar manager Liam Barrett noted that they updated the music room, which now features local musician Ted Saurman’s guitars, along with expanding their bar shelving. Barrett said 30% of the guitar sales are going to the Travis Dolphin Dog Park.  

Durham will have extended summer hours from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., possibly starting in May. Barrett also said they will start serving breakfast this season, have a Tiki bar menu this summer and a monthly rotating specials menu.  

Richwine's Burgerville was closed for the winter and opened back up on March 13, just in time for the snowstorm.  

Burgerville is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day except Wednesdays. The popular drive-in has been serving burgers, sandwiches, specialties and more in Polson for over 60 years.  

    Bar manager Liam Barrett and the manager Sidnee Barckey open the restaurant for business on Wednesday, March 18. The Durham closed briefly to complete renovations. (Emily Messer/Leader)