Another popular restaurant announced its permanent closure in Missoula on Saturday, October 28, 2023, leaving the south side of the city with one less dining option.
HuHot Mongolian Grill, located on South Brooks Street, posted notice of its closure on its door and billboard.
“We are permanently closed,” it read. “Thank you, Missoula, for 25 great years.”
This store was HuHot's first location and was family-owned, according to the company.
Andy Vap, President and Owner of HuHot stated the following in an email to MTN News:
"The changes and challenges we have seen in the industry, and around operating restaurants, are ever evolving since the COVID pandemic. Closing any store is a difficult decision, but above all the Missoula location, because we feel especially connected with the community we grew up in and our loyal customers. Sometimes these decisions are unavoidable. We want to thank the Missoula community and the employees who supported us throughout the great run of 25 years we had of operating HuHot here”. HuHot plans to keep their corporate headquarters operating out of their downtown Missoula office supporting their current 55 stores across the midwest and west.
The below announcement was sent to HuHot customers in Missoula last week:
It is with a heavy heart that we write to inform you of the permanent closure of HuHot on Brooks. After more than two decades of serving the Missoula community, we have made the difficult decision to permanently close our flagship location.
HuHot Mongolian Grill first opened its doors in Missoula in 1999, and it has been an incredible journey. Over the years, the company has grown immensely, expanding to over 50 locations in 17 states, all while maintaining our commitment to the values and traditions that originated right here in Missoula.
The decision to close our Missoula location was not made lightly, and we want to express our deepest gratitude to you, our loyal guests, who have been a fundamental part of our success over the years. Your support, feedback, and enthusiasm have been invaluable, and it has been our pleasure to serve you.
To our dedicated staff, both past and present, you are the backbone of our restaurant. Many of you have become like family to us, and we will cherish what we built together.
While we say goodbye to our beloved Missoula location, we invite you to visit our other HuHot Mongolian Grill locations. If your travels take you to Kalispell, Billings, Spokane or beyond, we would be delighted to grill up your favorite stir-fry combo.
Thank you for being a part of the HuHot Mongolian Grill family
HuHot is the second south side restaurant to close in recent months, following Denny's unexpected closure earlier this year.
The south side also lost Lucky's Market several years ago and two Subway locations.
The year has been hard on restaurants across the city, not just on the south side.
The Burns Street Bistro and Catalyst Cafe also announced their plans to close for good this year.
Other closures include Hoagieville and Firehouse Subs.
- This article has been updated with comment from HuHot company officials
CORRECTION: A previous version of this story from our newsgathering partner the Missoula Current stated that Popeye's in Missoula is closed. That information was not correct.
