SigMT

A Classic Diner with Timeless Treats SUGAR SHACK: URBAN AFFAIRS quintessential red-and- white diner reminiscent of the iconic Edward Hopper painting has quickly become a must-stop spot for travelers and Hi-Line residents alike. e Sugar Shack opened its doors in Rudyard just off of Highway 2 in 2019, but it's story actually began R U D Y A R D M O N T A N A TEXT BY HOLLY MATKIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY NIKKI GILBERT NEIGHBORHOODS 504 Main Street South, Rudyard, MT 66 years earlier in Wichita, Kansas. It was one of many prefabricated Valentine diners that was designed to be moved around the country on train cars, says 15-year-old Ryan Seidlitz, who operates the Sugar Shack with her mother, Kimberly Seidlitz. eir diner was originally built for an owner in Chinook, where it operated as the Diesel Diner from 1953 until sometime during the 1970s, Ryan explains. It then took on a new life as Bey's Diner in Conrad until the late 1990s, and was later moved to Chester, where it operated as the Sugar Shack for a couple of seasons. e diner's doors remained closed for nearly two decades before Kimberly and her husband, Rory Seidlitz, became its newest owners. Kimberly fell in love with the tiny diner while she was driving truck through the town of Chester. "e previous owners were outside one day, so Rory stopped by and talked to them and it just kind of went from there," she laughs. e couple moved the Sugar Shack to Rudyard in October of 2018. "We had to do some outside work but prey much everything inside worked," Kimberly notes. "A gal who worked there in high school stopped by about three weeks ago and said it prey much looks exactly the same." e Sugar Shack crew serves up a wide array of classic diner favorites, including juicy burgers, crunchy onion rings, and nearly every flavor of old-fashioned milkshake imaginable – and that's just for starters. "e community seems to be very happy with it," says Kimberly. "We still have tourists coming in, and people from Havre and Chinook like to make the trip." Ryan says the diner's "homey" atmosphere seems to make customers feel comfortable and happy to chat with the Sugar Shack staff members. "Its fun to hear their stories," Kimberly agrees. "ere is a lot of reminiscing." e Sugar Shack is a seasonal diner. Check out their Facebook page for schedule and event updates, or visit their website at www.sugarshack406.com. Phone:406-399-1830. A Supplied Photo A meal worth hitting the road for.. Anytime cheesecake. Customers come from miles around to enjoy the Sugar Shack's classic fare. Sugar Shack owner Kimberly Seidlitz loves meeting customers who knew the diner in days gone by. SiG MT 14

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