MONTANA CITY -- Montana City Store's new owners say they want to further the friendly traditions established by the store's founders, Joe and Mariann Calnan, who opened the store in 1978.

"The Calnans tried to make this a center of the community, and we very much want to keep that," said Chuck Hunter, who with his brother, Dave, and Chris Rehor bought the store and Elkhorn Mountain Inn in November.

As a first step, they hired Nikole Calnan, the Calnans' daughter-in-law and the former store manager, to run both businesses.

"We hired her because she's local, knows the business and knows the operation inside and out," said Rehor.

The new owners want to hear from customers about what products the store should carry and have customer survey forms on the counter.

"We do have a lot of comments from people and the surveys to expand the groceries," said Chuck Hunter.

"We've made room for 16 more feet of (shelving for) product," said Rehor, by re-arranging products.

They've expanded their wine selection, adding 20 new wines.

Providing healthier food choices will be a priority.

"We're going to expand the hot and cold food," added Chuck Hunter. "We'll have salad and fruit to go."

They also want to expand customer awareness of the hotel accommodations at the Elkhorn Mountain Inn, which is connected to the store.

It offers rooms with a mountain view and suites, it serves continental breakfast, and it accepts pets.

It's also a short walk to the Montana City Grill & Saloon for dinner and drinks, said Rehor, a co-owner of the restaurant with Dave Hunter.

In January the new store and hotel owners plan to continue the Calnans' tradition of hosting -- with the help of the local fire department -- a Christmas tree bonfire in a field near the store.

Calnan appreciates the new owners' attention to the store's customers.

When the business had to be closed the morning of Nov. 15 to take inventory, the new owners stood out in the cold to greet customers and serve free coffee. It's something he and his wife would have done years ago, Calnan said.

Reporter Marga Lincoln: 447-4074 or marga.lincoln@helenair.com