The Toll of a 15% Rate Increase on Our Local Business Community
The sudden implementation of a 15% rate increase has created a significant economic strain on Virginia City's independent entrepreneurs. This change threatens the sustainability of our most beloved historical establishments, forcing many to make difficult choices between heritage and survival. Here, we highlight the stories of businesses that have defined our town for generations and are now facing the harsh reality of closure.
Concessionaire Jamie Barta chose not to sign an unsustainable new contract requiring 15% of gross revenue for the Montana Department of Commerce, resulting in his contract’s cancellation on January 5, 2026. Despite the closure, Jamie remains deeply committed to the Star Bakery’s historic role and hopes the contract is filled soon for the sake of the Nevada City community.
Nevada City Heritage
The Final Batch: The Star Bakery and Restaurant’s Silent Ovens
A CULTURAL SILENCE
The Opera House
Bill and Christina Koch, who have operated the Virginia City Players in the state-owned historic opera house for 14 seasons, decided to close after the State of Montana implemented a new lease requiring 15% of gross revenue that would put the business in the red. Despite his long connection to the theater, he and his family are now launching a traveling theater company instead. Their presence in town will be greatly missed.
A Cornerstone of the Community
Bob's Pizza: A Legacy Under Siege
Contents Corner was built in 1864 by Samuel Content. It was one of the first permanent structures built in Virginia City. It was a retail store and on the second floor was a territorial governor's office.
In 1926 Bob Gohn opened a bar and general store after being blinded in a mining accident at the age of 26. He ran his bar for 60 years. "Film, information, and liquor" was his advertisement for his business. Many stories have been told of Bob's ability to pour drinks, make change, and recognize friends by the sound of their footsteps, all while completely blind.
In the early 1940's, Charlie and Sue Bovie started their pursuit to restore Virginia City & Nevada City, one of Montana's territorial capitol town. Virginia City was the biggest placer gold strikes in the world. In 1997, the start of Montana purchased the Bovey properties to ensure it would stay intact. Kirk "Kirkbob" Belding had been running Bob's place as a pizza joint since 1998.
Kirk was born and raised in Bozeman, back when Bozeman represented a Montana way of life. He traveled through his college years and realized Montana was where his heart and home were. Kirk Belding was his fist entrepreneurship in the early 90's. Virginia City was a place that he grew up visiting. In 1997 he saw that there were business opportunities becoming available, with the newly formed (MHC) offering leases to businesses. Kirk secured the last storefront available. Which was a bar without a liquor license that had belonged to Bob Gohn. The (MHC) moved the license to the Wells Farrgo. Originally, he was looking for a place to see his pottery, and then he realized that there was no pizza in town. That was the beginning of Bob's Place becoming a pizza place. The first few years (as with most restaurants) Kirk was barely breaking even. There were many repairs and improvements needed in this early 1860's building that had not previously been a restaurant. He preserved and created one of the cornerstones of our community. Bob's Place took pride in making things homemade; pizza crust, focaccia bread, pies, deli salads, freshly sliced sandwich meats and locally sourcing ingredients. Kirk created a one-of-a-kind restaurant in our town keeping locals and tourists coming back year after year.
A rustic-elegant restaurant specializing in steak and other upscale fare, plus cocktails and wine.
The Wells Fargo Restaurant
The Wells Fargo Restaurant and Steakhouse in Virginia City, MT, is an upscale, seasonal restaurant (late May–September) housed in a historic 1880s building at 308 W. Wallace St., featuring a grand horseshoe bar, tall tin ceilings, and a steakhouse menu with local beef, seafood, and a full bar. Owner Jason Lange has filed an emergency injunction to stop the state from canceling his contract, arguing that new terms requiring 15% of gross revenue would force the business to close; the Montana Department of Commerce canceled his contract on Dec. 29, 2025.