Article Summary –
The No Sweat Cafe in Montana’s capital city, Helena, has been a local institution since it was opened in 1984 by Ron “Two Dot” Eller and partner Debi Corcoran. Ownership of the cafe recently changed hands within the Eller family, with Micah Eller, a trained chef, taking over from her brother Eli. The cafe, known for its unique breakfasts and lunches as well as its prominent place in the community, will continue to operate in its traditional spirit with possible slight adjustments like more lunch offerings or expanded summertime hours.
Montana’s No Sweat Cafe: A Historic Eatery Under New Management
Each community in our state boasts unique food spots that have become deeply rooted in the local culture. In Montana’s capital city, Helena, one such place is the No Sweat Cafe. A treasured establishment nestled on the historic Last Chance Gulch, this quaint restaurant has been serving unique breakfasts and lunches since its inception in 1984 by Ron “Two Dot” Eller and partner Debi Corcoran. With a recent change of hands in the No Sweat’s ownership, many have wondered if the cafe will retain its free-spirited charm.
New owner Micah Eller, a trained chef with a rich resume, took over the restaurant’s reins from her brother Eli Eller on Feb. 1, assuring the continuity of family ownership. She is joined by business partner McKenzie Homan, a No Sweat veteran with nine years of service. Micah’s varied cooking and business experience have seen her work across recognizable Helena spots, as well as an externship in Chicago at renowned restaurant, Girl and the Goat.
“We started working as soon as you could stand upright and grate cheese,” Micah reminisced about her childhood at the cafe. Her mother Debi, a savvy businesswoman and original co-owner, played a vital role in keeping the dream of No Sweat alive over several decades. Micah credits her for the café’s enduring existence. Debi, originally from the east coast, settled in Montana after studying hotel and restaurant management at Cornell University. She sustained the cafe on thin margins, while being a supportive employer and giving back to the community.
Micah’s new business partner McKenzie started at No Sweat as an 18-year-old, looking for a way to fund her undergraduate studies at Carroll College. She served in every part of the business before leaving for other ventures, including SkyHi Kennel, a doggy daycare.
The No Sweat Cafe has always prioritized scratch-made dishes using fresh and organic ingredients, regardless of the cook. The menu focuses on local ingredients, featuring Hutterite eggs, locally sourced beef and pork, produce from Butte and Spokane, and potatoes from Whitehall. The cafe has been using Montana Coffee Traders for 40 years to roast a unique blend of South American coffee beans, resulting in a dark, robust brew exclusive to No Sweat.
The No Sweat Cafe is not just a food institution, but a place of historical and political significance. Former state Sen. Mike Halligan of Missoula recalls receiving an invitation from Bozeman state Rep. Dorothy Bradley to join her for breakfast at the cafe, where she asked him to run as her lieutenant governor in the 1992 election. Even now-U.S. Sen. Jon Tester of Big Sandy has fond memories of the No Sweat Cafe, recalling many mornings enjoying the eatery’s homely fare.
As new owners, Micah and McKenzie plan to put their stamp on the No Sweat while preserving its defining characteristics. Potential changes could include more lunch offerings, extended summer hours, additional local ingredients, and more options catering to various dietary restrictions. However, just one month into their journey, both proprietors are focused on maintaining the elements that have made the cafe a success.
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