End of an Era on Brooks Street

Liquid Planet Grille on Brooks Street will serve its final meals this Sunday, marking the end of a two-year chapter for the local restaurant that took over the former Denny's location. The closure represents another shift in the ever-changing landscape of Missoula's Brooks Street corridor, which has seen multiple restaurant openings and closings in recent years.

The restaurant opened in 2023 with hopes of bringing fresh energy to the iconic Brooks Street location. Situated near the intersection of Brooks and Mount, the space offered a casual dining option for south Missoula residents and University of Montana students seeking affordable meals in a convenient location. Despite its promising start, the restaurant struggled to build consistent foot traffic in the competitive Missoula dining scene.

Your LP Fix Isn't Going Anywhere

While the Brooks Street location is closing, Liquid Planet fans can still get their fix at the original Arthur Avenue location, which has been serving the Missoula community for 14 years. The Arthur location remains open and continues to offer the same menu items, coffee, and atmosphere that locals have come to love.

The Arthur Avenue Liquid Planet has become a staple in the University District, serving students, faculty, and neighborhood residents since 2011. The location offers a full menu of breakfast items, sandwiches, wraps, and their signature coffee drinks that have built a loyal following over the past decade and a half.

A Challenging Period for Local Restaurants

The Brooks Street closure comes during a difficult stretch for the Liquid Planet brand and local restaurants generally. The company previously closed Elote, its Mexican-inspired concept that operated in downtown Missoula. Additionally, Pangea and Stave & Hoop, sister establishments connected to the same ownership group, have also closed their doors in recent months.

These closures reflect broader challenges facing the Missoula restaurant industry, including rising food costs, labor shortages, and changing consumer habits in the post-pandemic era. The Brooks Street corridor, in particular, has experienced significant turnover as businesses adapt to new economic realities.

What's Next for the Brooks Space

The future of the Brooks Street location remains uncertain. The property, which was previously home to Denny's for decades before Liquid Planet took over, sits on one of Missoula's busiest commercial corridors. The space offers ample parking and high visibility, making it attractive for potential future tenants.

Local commercial real estate observers note that the Brooks Street corridor continues to see interest from both local and regional restaurant operators. The area's proximity to the University of Montana and high daily traffic counts make it a potentially lucrative location for the right concept.

FAQ

Q: When is the last day for Liquid Planet Grille on Brooks Street?

A: The restaurant will close this Sunday.

Q: Is the Arthur Avenue Liquid Planet still open?

A: Yes, the original Arthur Avenue location remains open and has been serving Missoula for 14 years.

Q: What other restaurants have closed recently in this group?

A: Elote, Pangea, and Stave & Hoop have all closed in recent months.

Q: What will happen to the Brooks Street building?

A: The future of the space is currently uncertain, but the high-traffic location is expected to attract new tenants.