SigMT

64 | SIGNATURE MONTANA Built in 1929, along with its brick counterpart Great Falls High School, the building housing Buffalo Blanc originally was a gas station and sandwich shop. A hang-out spot for high school students, it became a prominent background for photos featured in Great Falls High School yearbooks in the 1930's. e building served a variety of purposes over its 95-year history. Mark Tronson says, "My kids all went to Great Falls High, and my son-in-law did too. I remember driving by here and always thinking the building could be something cool." Whitney Sunwall, Tronson's daughter, says, "My dad is the dreamer. He's the one that had the ideas and got us excited." She adds, "I really enjoyed the demo. We took it down to the studs due to years of damage. e upstairs was all lath and plaster, but the basement was huge sheetrock, which was really laborious in the end." Embrace Every Challenge The Sunwalls and Tronsons worked with Wendt Advertising to design the Buffalo Blanc logo. Desiring a clean and modern design, the logo resonates with neighborhood residents, greater Montana, as well as Indigenous cultures. "A person who sees a white bison has good fortune in their future," says Whitney. The drink menu evolves with the seasons. While iced drinks dominate in the summer, look for fall flavors like spiced apple and pumpkin to appear as the weather cools. In need of something warmer? Whitney suggests her personal invention, the Russell Roaster. This coffee boasts espresso, honey, and cinnamon topped with steamed half & half. DISCREET PALATE

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