New Locations: Two Popular Billings Restaurants are On the Move

Finding the perfect location for a restaurant is a science.

If you ever watch Bar Rescue, you'll notice host Jon Taffer frequently touts traffic studies, the age/income of residents in the area, and other demographics. Is there a school, stadium, shopping center, or concert venue nearby? How many cars drive by every day? All are factors that can help determine the success or failure of a restaurant.

Restaurants may move locations for any number of reasons too. Maybe they've outgrown their current space. Maybe their lease was up and they got a better deal somewhere else. Two popular Billings eateries are on the move. One is already in their new spot, the other is re-opening and rebranding at a new location on Thursday, 8/17.

Cajun Phatty's and Gaudalaraja Swap Neighborhoods.

Guadalajara heads south to 1911 King Ave West.

After nearly a decade at 12th and Grand, Guadalajara's mid-town is now in its new location on King Ave West. We caught up with owner Veronica Nuno this week, who told us they're thrilled about their new spot in the former Leo's Casino.

Nuno first brought her family's recipes to Montana in 1995 in Havre. That location continues to serve the Hi-Line today. The first Guadalajara in Billings opened the following year and they currently have three locations in the Magic City: Heights, Guad's Grab-n-Go (behind the Red Door), and the new spot on King Ave West.

The new location offers a spacious, open footprint with roomy seating for 150.

There is a nice patio area out front and an entire wall of TVs covers one of the walls at the bar area inside. Nuno plans to carry all of the NFL games this fall and fans of Guadalaraja can expect fun new tequila drinks, food pairings, and special tequila-tasting events. They're waiting for their gigantic new sign to be installed within the next month or so and plan on hosting a grand re-opening celebration in the new location early this fall. Watch for details.

Cajun Phatty's re-brands with a new location at 17th and Grand.

Moving next door to Gainan's Midtown, Cajun Phatty's is taking over the restaurant currently known as Midway Grill with a slightly new name. A few delightful additions to the menu are anticipated.

The spot will be known as Phatty's Seafood & Steakhouse. I'm really looking forward to seeing what they've done. Owner Ashley Robichaux announced her partnership with the Midway a few months ago, teasing exciting new things. UPDATE: According to a Facebook post today (8/17) Phatty's will re-open on Saturday (for brunch from 10 am to 3 pm), and will have normal hours beginning Monday, August 21.

Fans of Cajun Phatty's can be assured their favorites will remain.

The restaurant is consistently rated one of the best in Billings for seafood and southern-style entrees. The Cajun-owned and operated restaurant began as a food truck. I remember first checking them out when they were at The Loft downtown. The popular, real-deal Cajun food restaurant has been at the King Ave location since 2014.

Congratulations to both restaurants on their new locations. Moving a household is tough enough... can you imagine all the work involved in moving a restaurant? We're excited to check out their new locations and fresh ideas from two of our favorite locally-owned restaurants.