Virginia City’s historic businesses are ending a challenging tourism season due to significant lease increases from the Montana Heritage Commission. Many long-standing business owners have struggled with the new terms, leading some to close shop before the revised leases were issued.
Becky DiGiovanni, a local business operator, noted that community communication has suffered, impacting collaboration among businesses on Main Street—a crucial aspect of their success.
One resilient family, Shauna and Kirk Belding, relocated their popular pizza restaurant, Bob’s Place, to a smaller private venue after being affected by the lease changes. Community support played a vital role in their transition, maintaining their tradition of hiring local teens for their first jobs.
Despite the uncertainty earlier in the year, employees expressed gratitude for the continuation of the business, recognizing the valuable experience it offers. As the season wraps up, DiGiovanni hopes for a fresh start, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and support among local businesses.
