Bozeman is a town no longer. An area once defined almost exclusively by its farming and agriculture is well on its way to becoming the mountainside metropolis some will come to embrace, while others cling to more nostalgic sentiments of what used to be. As we go barreling into the future and Bozeman continues to grow, the history of our city should not only be remembered, but celebrated. This is one philosophy the freshly opened Feed Café strives to live by in their service to the community. The breakfast and lunch restaurant serving what they call “artisan comfort food” is housed within the completely renovated Red Barn, the largest building of the Kirk Homestead just off of Main Street (across from the Hastings Shopping Center). You’ve driven directly by hundreds, if not thousands of times, but you, like most Bozemanites, are unaware of the story behind the property. Henry Kirk relocated to Montana with his four sons in 1872, following a stern warning from his doctor that smoky Pittsburgh would kill him in as short as a year’s time. Per the doc’s recommendation, Kirk chose Montana for its clean, fresh air and likeness to his homeland of Scotland. Similarly, the Kirk’s chose the Gallatin Valley for its rich and fertile soil. After settling in the area, Kirk and his son, Harris, built the Red Barn in the summer of 1898 with the help of other community members. The Kirks’ eighty acres would remain a working farm until Harris’ death in 1958. As the town of Bozeman continued to expand, pieces of the farm were sold off. As part of these land sales, Harris’ daughter, Marguerite, donated a plot of land to the City of Bozeman that would later become what we now know to be Kirk Park. Over the years, Marguerite and her younger sister, Elanor, would undertake many enterprises. These included the founding of the Country Bookshelf, Country Flower Shop, and the Paperback Barn–the latter utilizing the storage space of the Red Barn and doing most business out of the building that is now The Roost and formerly the Kirk Farm’s chicken house. After the Kirk sisters retired, the Red Barn had a number of diverse commercial tenants including a saddle-maker’s store and workshop, a wine, cheese, and sandwich store, an antique furniture store, and internet café. In 2009, the 111-year old Red Barn was renovated top to bottom by current owners Christopher and Nicholas Harris in their effort to secure the local landmark’s place in Bozeman’s ever-present history. The original dark patina timber floorboards actually remain from the original barn. In this grand restoration, the great-great grandsons of Henry Kirk created a space that speaks to the lure of Bozeman–new but historically relevant. The Kirk Homestead is currently home to three fine restaurants–Feed Café, The Roost, and Saffron Table. Upscale hair salon The Chapel and popular bridal shop Eskay Bridal are also part of the homestead. Feed Café offers a fresh array of delicious breakfast and lunch items. Owners and business partners Serena Rundberg and Chef Sean Lehmann are proud to offer Bozeman a menu of items made fresh, from scratch, on site. From handcrafted specialties, soups & salads, and delicious sandwiches to a selection of health-conscious grains and a la carte options, Feed Café has something to fuel your busy Bozeman day. They also have a wide variety of coffees, teas, and fresh-squeezed juices to help you wash the nourishment down. Order at the counter, and enjoy your meal in the comfy, farm-chic atmosphere or take it to go knowing that you’re nourished and ready for whatever life throws at you next. Feed Café is open daily from 7am–2pm. Visit feedcafebozeman.com/ to take a look at the menu, items available for purchase at the general store, or for further information. •