By Abbie Digel, Explorebigsky.com Editor
BIG SKY—The holiday crowd filled
every seat at Big Sky’s newest bistro,
Olive B’s, over Presidents’ weekend.
The new dining establishment,
located on the corner across from the
Big Sky Chapel in the Meadow Village
Center, has been packed every
night following its Valentine’s Day
opening.
Customers haven’t seemed to mind
waiting for tables; the sparkling bar
was packed with patrons, from families
to couples and groups of friends,
patiently sipping on cocktails, and
clearly having a great time.
The idea for Olive B’s was conceived
alongside the birth of the owners
Jennie and Warren Bibbins’ child,
baby Olive, about eight months ago.
They said when the lease for the
space became available, they jumped
at the chance to own their own
restaurant.
Warren, also known as ‘Bibber’, has
been a presence in the Big Sky dining
scene for over 25 years. Jennie
moved to Big Sky from New York
City about two years ago, fresh out
of culinary school. The couple met
while working in the kitchen at the
Yellowstone Club.
The menu is full of favorites like
pasta, burgers, steak, and local game,
but with an emphasis on fresh seafood
and New England style-fare, a
product of Warren’s east coast roots.
They also have nightly specials,
including homemade desserts.
“We are shooting for quality service,”
Warren said.
They hired Mike Buck, also from the
Yellowstone Club, to be their “right
hand man” at the front of the house,
and also hired 25 full time bartenders
and experienced wait and kitchen
staff.
“We’re taking off pretty well. Our
honeymoon period is going to last
quite a long time,” Warren said. “A
lot of people I’ve catered for, and
people up at the [Yellowstone] Club,
are very excited. I think people are
thankful there is another dining
choice in Big Sky.”
The space, which has been home
to several other restaurants in the
past, was completely gutted and
redesigned. It now has an intimate
feel, with contemporary details like
modern brick, metal accents and an
open kitchen.
The Bibbins hope Olive B’s will be a
place for people to visit once a week
when they don’t feel like cooking
dinner.
“We wanted something that was
elegant for dressy nights out, but casual
enough so people feel comfortable
coming in after cross country
skiing,” Jennie said. “We wanted a
look and feel that wouldn’t go out of
style.”
Olive B’s is open Monday through
Saturday for lunch 11 – 3 p.m.,
dinner 5 – 9:30 p.m., and Sunday
brunch from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Call
(406) 995-3355 for reservations.
