Restaurant Rumors and Rumbles in the Magic City

The food scene in Billings is always changing, sometimes for better, and sometimes for worse. The restaurant industry has one of the highest fail rates among start-ups, with often repeated stats indicating that a whopping 60% fail within the first year and 80% won't survive longer than five years.

Cork & Barrel closed on 7/31/24. Credit Michael Foth, TSM

Cork and Barrel closed on July 31st.

I frequently creep commercial real estate listings in the Billings area, mainly out of curiosity. My hunch that Cork and Barrel was on the market was confirmed this week when the restaurant shared the news of its closure via a Facebook post on 7/31/24.

Cork and Barrel opened near 38th and Grand in 2022.

The higher-end restaurant seemed generally well-received. My spouse and I visited several times and the food was good.

I've heard through the grapevine that whoever purchased Cork and Barrel is turning the footprint into a Mexican restaurant. We were unable to confirm this rumor or opening date.

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Umi on Grand Avenue is no more. Credit Michael Foth, TSM

Meanwhile, what's up with Umi?

A "closed" sign on Umi's front door has left fans of the Asian restaurant speculating on if/when/where they're re-opening. We were unable to contact anyone directly associated with the restaurant for comment. Their listed phone number is disconnected and messages we sent to Umi via email and Facebook remain unanswered at press time.

HOWEVER, a respected friend spoke to a former hibachi chef at Umi, who said the family that owned the restaurant has moved to Kansas. It seems highly unlikely that this Umi is reopening at a new Billings location.

105 Coffee & Brewery is coming to Billings Heights. Credit Michael Foth, TSM

Finally, something new coming to Billings Heights.

The Heights seems to get the shaft when it comes to new places to eat and drink. That will change in the somewhat near future when a new brewery and coffee house opens near the roundabout of Bench Blvd and Hilltop Rd.

Named 105 Coffee & Brewery, we'd guess they'll have some type of food menu too, a welcomed option for Heights residents. KE Construction shared some renderings and other site photos HERE.