MISSOULA – We’re learning more about the DRAM Shop’s to expand.
As MTN News reported earlier this year, the growler fill station and tap room is opening a new location near the Southgate Mall.
The DRAM Shop has been offering Missoula residents a space downtown to try a forever rotating selection of beer, wine and ciders. Now they have plans for a second location on Missoula’s south end of town.
“The location by the mall is a great fit for us. We feel like the south end of town is a little bit underserved by breweries and more new…places to grab a drink and relax with friends and family,” DRAM Shop co-owner Zachary Millar said.
He added that the new location is also another way to expand the DRAM shop brand.
“It’s also an opportunity for us to expand our brand. We have done a lot of hard work on that over the past five years, so it makes sense for us to build on that hard work and keep the ball going forward,” Millar explained.
The DRAM Shop owners hope that their move can also attract other business with the same vibe to the area.
“We hope that we can do that. We hope that we can get some more local business out there that people like to frequent — maybe a coffee shop — or anybody want to open a taco stand?” Millar said.
The new location will offer a similar range of offerings as the original DRAM Shop but is also anticipated to have different options.
“The selection will be similar in terms of variety although the menus won’t mirror each other we will be able to do different things at the different spots,” Millar told MTN News.
The new building’s design will also mimic the downtown locations with some slight differences.
“So in terms of the design and layout of the space, it will be very similar to what we have downtown on Front Street,” Millar said. “Clean and comfortable and a nice place for people to relax.
One thing the new location will be bringing to the table compared to the downtown spot will be a larger patio to allow Missoulians to enjoy their libations outside.
“People love to have a nice place to relax outside when the weather is nice outside in Montana. It’s a short summer so we like to enjoy it,” Millar said.
The DRAM Shop owners hope that if the Missoula City Council finishes approving their new location by January that they could open sometime in April.
Millar also talked about how convenient the location is in terms of transportation, noting that the location is right next to a walking trail and bus stop.
Patrons will also have plenty of parking options since they will be allowed to use Southgate Mall parking.
