Buyer, Developer Aims to Open Similar Market in Renovated Space
Tara Wantulok is heartbroken as she prepares to close the beloved family business, Joe’s Parkway Market, a fixture in Bozeman for nearly 60 years. The store, known for its unique brands of cheeses, meats, and specialty foods, has been a gathering place for the community. Wantulok expressed how emotionally challenging this decision has been, with many customers sharing their sadness about the closure.
To commemorate this loss, a customer appreciation day is scheduled for Sept. 16, featuring cheese samples and discounts, before the store ultimately shuts its doors in early October.
Wantulok, who began her journey at Joe’s as a college student, said the growing competition and rising costs have made it difficult to sustain the business. Bozeman’s rapid growth has also complicated the viability of small businesses like Joe’s. Despite her loyal customer base, the demand for large volume purchases is hard to meet, leading to the store’s eventual decision to close.
The land and business were sold to Todd Waller, a local developer who plans to renovate the space while retaining its essence as a neighborhood market. Waller aims to source local vendors and potentially introduce a similar market concept to fill the void left by Joe’s.
Many community members, including longtime customers and employees, expressed their nostalgia and concerns over losing a neighborhood staple. Some hope that the new development will maintain the spirit of Joe’s, preserving a sense of community in Bozeman amid its rapid development.
As Tara Wantulok looks toward the next chapter, she hopes whoever takes over can bring new life and energy to the iconic space, keeping the memory of Joe’s Parkway Market alive in the hearts of its loyal patrons.
