Sad News for Sweet Tooths in Western Montana

If you have ever pulled over on the side of Highway 93 in Lolo for a hunk of peanut butter fudge, brace yourself.

The Sweets Barn is closed.

Not for a break. Not for the season. Closed-closed. Bam, lights-off, doors-locked, no more goodies closed.

You know that little red building with the jars of taffy and candy, with all the old-school-groovy vibe that was just like you were walking into your grandma’s kitchen? It’s done. No more pit stops following a float trip for something sweet. No more “if you’re good at Tractor Supply, we’ll go get a treat.” That part of the routine is gone now.

The building is sold, and by the sound of it, someone is remodeling it into something else. There’s no word yet on what’s moving in. I have heard people comment that it is only a matter of time before someone turns it into a dispensary or casino.

This one stings a little. Especially for Lolo. Particularly for those of us who knew the best treats in the Bitterroot lay not behind some gas station counter but in that little red barn.

There’s a sliver of good news:

You can still get some of the Sweets Barn treats at the Missoula Farmers Market and a handful of shops locally if you know where to look. The people behind it are not finished making sweets, just finished with that barn.

But yeah... it is not going to be the same.