Montana's Cookhouse and Bar closes abruptly in March 2014. BlackburnNews.com (Photo by Melanie Irwin)Montana's Cookhouse and Bar closes abruptly in March 2014. BlackburnNews.com (Photo by Melanie Irwin)
Sarnia

New Tenant Coming To Former Montana's Building

The vacant former Montana's Restaurant on Exmouth St. is getting a new tenant.

Smoke & Spice Southern Barbecue co-owner James Currie says they'll be building an addition at the back of the building for their smokers, as they smoke all their own meat.

"The entire dining room will be getting a facelift with a lot of new equipment going in the kitchen. We'll be on site May 1, and hopefully open by the end of August, at the latest," says Currie.

He says the restaurant will employ 60 full and part-timers.

"We felt it was a good fit for our business. The current building we're in now is exactly the same building but in Windsor. It's done well for us in Windsor and the inside decor is similar to what's in Windsor, so it's a good fit."

The cost of new equipment and renovations is about $650,000.

Read More Local Stories

Sarnia city council meeting held on April 29, 2025. (Screenshot of video posted to YouTube)

Dennis asks council for 'third chance'

City/County Councillor Bill Dennis is asking council to reconsider a previous decision and let him return to in-person meetings once they resume, even though it's unknown when sessions will return to Sarnia city hall.

Sarnia City Hall. BlackburnNews.com file photo by Melanie Irwin.

Sarnia council briefs

A selection process for a new mural at Canatara Park has been approved and council approved the design of the Bright’s Grove Library Expansion Project.