Montana Department of Commerce Announces 2026 Concessionaires in Virginia City and Nevada City
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HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce and Montana Heritage Commission announced today the contracts for Virginia City and Nevada City concessionaries have been filled for the 2026 summer season. Local favorites and new vendors will be ready for visitors when the season opens.
“After actively working to fill leases, the Montana Department of Commerce and the Montana Heritage Commission are excited to see retail shops, restaurants and galleries as well as entertainment and hospitality venues preparing to welcome customers this summer,” said Commerce Deputy Director Mandy Rambo. “These historic cities have been beloved destinations for generations of Montanans and out-of-state visitors, and Commerce is dedicated to supporting their long-term stability.”
The Montana Heritage Commission, which is administratively attached to Commerce, manages historic properties in Virginia City, Nevada City and Helena’s Reeder’s Alley. Created by the Montana Legislature, the commission has administered Virginia City and Nevada City as public attractions for visitors for almost 30 years.
The following Virginia City and Nevada City concessionaries of MHC properties that were part of the contract continuity project have executed contracts with Commerce:
Continuing concessionaires from the 2025 season:
New concessionaires:
About the new concessionaires:
Performances for the season will include:
In addition to the MHC concessionaires, Commerce and MHC encourage visitors and locals to explore the privately owned businesses and properties at Virginia City and Nevada City that are staples of the community.
For more information, visit commerce.mt.gov.
“After actively working to fill leases, the Montana Department of Commerce and the Montana Heritage Commission are excited to see retail shops, restaurants and galleries as well as entertainment and hospitality venues preparing to welcome customers this summer,” said Commerce Deputy Director Mandy Rambo. “These historic cities have been beloved destinations for generations of Montanans and out-of-state visitors, and Commerce is dedicated to supporting their long-term stability.”
The Montana Heritage Commission, which is administratively attached to Commerce, manages historic properties in Virginia City, Nevada City and Helena’s Reeder’s Alley. Created by the Montana Legislature, the commission has administered Virginia City and Nevada City as public attractions for visitors for almost 30 years.
The following Virginia City and Nevada City concessionaries of MHC properties that were part of the contract continuity project have executed contracts with Commerce:
Continuing concessionaires from the 2025 season:
- Bale of Hay Saloon
- Brewery Follies
- Calamity Janes
- Destination Virginia City, MT (Fairweather Inn/Annex and Nevada City Cabins)
- Montana Picture Gallery
- Ruby Chang’s
- Stephano’s Fine Art Gallery
- Virginia City Coffee Depot
- Virginia City Trading Company
- Wild West LLC (Bonanza Inn, Harding Home, Meagher Cabin and Daems and Corbett House)
New concessionaires:
- Bob’s Place
- The Shop at the City Bakery
- Star Restaurant and Bakery
- Virginia City Opera House
- Wells Fargo Bar & Grill
About the new concessionaires:
- The Shop at the City Bakery is a retail shop opening within the historic City Bakery in Virginia City. Founded by Virginia City residents Rebecca Miller and Matthew Chambless, The Shop carries a curated selection of home goods ranging from candles to ceramics, wellness and ritual pieces, books and unexpected pantry staples. Every item on the shelves is sourced from small businesses and legacy heritage companies with attention to craft, quality and meaning. Grab-and-go drinks and build-your-own charcuterie items are also available, with seating on the back lawn for patrons to linger and enjoy.
- Bob's Place and the Wells Fargo Bar & Grill will be operated by SharBert Enterprises. A Montana-based company, SharBert Enterprises brings more than 30 years of retail, hospitality and restaurant experience. The company has deep roots in supporting local makers and farmers, a commitment to employing locals and ongoing donations to non-profit organizations throughout the state. They approach each new venture with a genuine desire to learn the people, places and stories of the community they are joining, working hard to celebrate what makes each location unique and to honor the historical legacy of the venues they operate.
- Star Bakery and Restaurant will be operated by Stark Summit, LLC. Managed by Marcus Stark, Stark Summit will bring over a decade of restaurant experience to the Star Bakery and Restaurant, providing a unique dining opportunity to visitors in Nevada City.
- Virginia City Opera House will be operated by the University of Montana Western Theatre Program under the direction of Assistant Professor of Theatre and Artistic Director Stephen Alan Seder. Seder has previously performed with the Virginia City Players for 10 years and worked at theatres across Montana. Under Seder’s direction, the Opera House will continue with its tradition of melodrama and vaudeville performances honoring Virginia City’s robust history.
Performances for the season will include:
- “The Bat,” June 17 – July 19
- “Vaudeville’s Greatest Hits,” July 24 – Aug. 2
- “Xantippe,” Aug. 5 – Sept. 6
In addition to the MHC concessionaires, Commerce and MHC encourage visitors and locals to explore the privately owned businesses and properties at Virginia City and Nevada City that are staples of the community.
For more information, visit commerce.mt.gov.
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