EBS STAFF
Whether you’re on your way to shred powder at Big Sky Resort from Bozeman, or heading to Bozeman to visit with friends, there’s one convenient halfway point that never fails—The Jump Gastropub & Deli. Since arriving in Gallatin Gateway a couple years ago, The Jump has filled a vital hole in the community. They serve up house-made meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as live music and swing dancing, trivia and BINGO nights. For this Making it in Big Sky, Explore Big Sky chatted with co-owner Lynn Shanahan about how The Jump got its start, and even learned her favorite menu item.
This series is part of a paid partnership with the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce. The following answers have been edited for brevity.
Explore Big Sky: Let’s start with you, Lynn—what brought you to the area initially?
Lynn Shanahan: My wonderful Aussie husband John was the CEO of the Black Butte Mine in White Sulphur Springs. While I was born and raised in Oklahoma, my career was in New York City, so I came to join him when the mine was permitted.
EBS: When did The Jump come into your life? Since the building had been there for quite some time, what potential did you see in its next chapter?
LS: Sadly, John passed away the week I moved to Bozeman. He gave me the gift of Montana as COVID came quickly upon New York City and the country. My home is up the canyon from Buffalo Jump “the gentleman’s club.” It has a storied history but when it went up for sale, I thought it was the right place to be transformed into a place for the community to come together and enjoy each other through good food and dancing!
EBS: Tell me about all the different events The Jump offers?
LS: The Jump offers delicious approachable food and drink from morning ’til night. We have something for everyone: our Western Swing night with lessons from country renegades, DJ Habes, is a highlight, along with BINGO on Thursdays and live bands and dancing each Friday and Saturday nights.
EBS: What’s your favorite item off the menu?
LS: Our new pork chop—thick and juicy with huckleberry glaze!
EBS: How has public reception been in your first few years in the area?
LS: So welcoming! We have regular customers from the area, lots of families, and now friends.
EBS: Do you find a good mix of regular locals vs. visitors passing through?
LS: Absolutely! Our mission of being a community gathering place only grows and word-of-mouth has been phenomenal. Visitors have found The Jump and come back often. We also have an amazing group of locals and regulars.
EBS: Any exciting plans or additions for the future?
LS: Yes of course! We are always cooking up something new. Look for the coming announcements for the summer!
EBS: What is some of the best business advice you’ve ever received?
LS: Build a team around you that knows more than you do and empower them to be creative with new ideas.
EBS: Anything else you’d like to tell the Big Sky and Gateway community?
LS: Come join us, and meet old friends and make new ones!
