Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1527954
66 | SIGNATURE MONTANA To fill the belly, Buffalo Blanc offers a variety of grab-and-go menu items like its best-selling breakfast sandwiches or wraps. e creamy white cheddar mac & cheese or a bowl of tomato basil soup and grilled cheese on sourdough hit the spot with the cooler autumn days. Make Today Matter Buffalo Blanc is going back to its roots...with a twist. Students and staff can pre-order online and pick up orders at the walk-up window. Indoor seating offers conversation areas, and an outdoor area allows families and friends time to relax. Whitney says, "ere are a lot of community memories here. We have people come in with their stories. I thought it would be quick grab-and- go service. It has turned into the local community coming in with friends and relatives. ey really take their time." Parents meet their students for lunch, staff grab coffee over a prep period, and teachers have even brought classes over to learn the building's history. Don't Stop Until You're Proud Cathie Tronson says, "One day, three kids came in and sat down. ey didn't order anything and eventually le. At first, we thought it was strange, but it made us take another look at what we're doing here. We do not just sell coffee. is is a safe space for kids." Buffalo Blanc opened on Valentine's Day, 2024. In that short time, Mark says, "It's fun to see the community coalescing around what we've done. Great Falls has Howard's Pizza, Amigo Lounge, and Taco Treat. People come back for those things. We want to make Buffalo Blanc like that. A staple. Where students, in 20 years, will want to come back here. is building was that. It can be that again." Heather Bode is an educator and freelance writer. Over the past two decades, she's published articles, curricular materials, and books for the educational market. In addition, she enjoys covering stories about Montana's great citizens. S MT Smiling faces reflect the memories that have been made here for almost 100 years. Today's customers routinely share memories or stories of the building's past. The Blanc Style Border Bowl comes heaped with corn, black beans, fajita chicken, roasted red peppers, and Cotija cheese. Flowers adorn the new ADA ramp designed with brick detail mirroring GFHS. "That was the goal of the design: Keep it with the age of the building and the beauty of what's next door as well," says Whitney. The Chicken and Pepper Panini is served on a French baguette and accompanied with a side of kettle chips. DISCREET PALATE