New List Of Big-Name Restaurants Eyeing Montana For 2025

BUTTE, MT - If you’ve ever stared longingly at an In-N-Out burger on your friend’s Instagram story, or heard legends of a Shake Shack milkshake that changed someone’s life, you’re not alone.

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For years, Montanans have watched from afar as beloved restaurant chains sprinkled their magic across the country, somehow skipping right over Big Sky Country.

But 2025 might just be our year.

That’s right: rumors are swirling, permits are pending, and mouths are already watering.

Some of the most iconic restaurants in the U.S.—the ones we’ve only tasted during vacations or airport layovers—are finally flirting with the idea of setting up shop right here in Montana.

And we’re not just talking fast food. We’re talking gourmet burgers, Southern comfort food, next-level tacos, and chains so famous, they’ve inspired fan clubs and tattoo tributes.

Montana’s growing population, booming tourism industry, and rapidly developing cities have caught the attention of some big-name culinary players.

From Bozeman’s energetic tech scene to Missoula’s eclectic charm to Billings’ steady rise as a commercial hub, there are more hungry mouths—and more appetites for variety—than ever before.

And let’s face it: our winters build character, and character builds cravings.

So whether you’re a foodie who’s been secretly praying for a Dave's Hot Chicken within driving distance, or someone who just wants to see what all the East Coast fuss over Wawa is about, you’re going to want to keep your eyes on this list.

The restaurant stars are aligning, and Montana’s about to get a whole lot tastier: