By Jack Reaney SENIOR EDITOR
The restaurant at Buck’s T-4 Lodge will reopen in 2025 after “significant renovations” including workforce housing are completed.
The historic roadhouse closed in September 2023, as Lone Mountain Land Company—which purchased Buck’s in 2020—pursued a “perfect partner” to operate the restaurant and bar. That partner was identified: the hospitality group behind One&Only Moonlight Basin will aim to keep Buck’s relaxed and family friendly, according to an email from LMLC representatives.
LMLC plans to announce the restaurant’s opening date in early 2025, according to a press release from LMLC.
“The refreshed restaurant will retain many beloved original elements to honor its storied history, including an enhanced arcade and game room for family-friendly fun, along with an updated menu and full bar,” the release stated. “The spacious Montana Room will also be available for group bookings and community events, continuing a legacy of memorable gatherings.”
The updated restaurant will be called “Buck’s Road House,” dropping the “T-4” brand from its name. T-4 was the original livestock brand issued to founders Buck and Helen Knight in the 1940s.
Workforce housing expansion
Before this renovation, LMLC had already added workforce housing on the Buck’s campus, reaching a capacity of 234 local workers. When ongoing work is completed, as many as 322 local workers can live onsite, according to the release.
“One of Lone Mountain Land Company’s top priorities is for Big Sky to be a thriving year-round community where families and residents can prosper,” stated Anna Johnson, LMLC’s director of community engagement. “A large part of that is our commitment to creating more housing for a variety of community needs and Buck’s is a piece of that housing solution.”
Guest rooms in the former Buck’s Motel are being renovated to include fire sprinklers and alarms, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, and new windows, plumbing, carpeting and furniture. Tenants can make use of a new dining room and communal kitchen, as well as a convenience store, coffee bar and fitness center, according to the release. The new facilities are expected to house employees this winter.
In addition, a new building has been constructed onsite to add more workforce housing. The building is expected to welcome occupants in the spring.
