What happened to 531 South Higgins?
Tipu's Tiger World Deli
on 531 South Higgins closed its doors for good
on Valentine's Day 2002.
531 South Higgins was the
original location for Tipu's Tiger East Indian Cuisine, our first restaurant,
that opened in May 1997. Within two years we had clearly outgrown the
tiny kitchen and had to expand to larger quarters.
In 1999 we moved our original
menu and style over to our new alley location at 115 ½ South
4th West. Not wanting to leave behind the hard work, excellent walk-by
location and murals behind, we transformed 531 South Higgins into our
fine dining restaurant, still named Tipu's Tiger. Despite the excellent
food and reputation (not to mention many loyal customers), it soon became
clear that Missoula was not yet ready to support an upscale vegetarian
ethnic restaurant that did not serve beer or wine.
So in January 2001 we "downscaled"
and added a deli case, transforming the location into Tipu's Tiger World
Deli. With the fun and healthy international breakfast and lunch menu
we were well received and quickly became successful. We did, however,
still have problems we decided were insurmountable, mostly in our management
and resources being stretched too thin between the two places. After
September 11 and the economic downturn, we made the difficult decision
to put the World Deli up for sale.
In January 2002 our best
possible scenario came true. Justin Alterowitz of Hob Nob
fame offered to buy our Deli and set up a similar breakfast and lunch
place with his own excellent menu. We are delighted that he has come
to the neighborhood. His purchase of the business from us has enabled
both businesses to move forward.
We are sad to say goodbye
to the old place after 5 years but we are excited by the possibilities
it has opened up at Tipu's. Some of the Tipu's Tiger staff has come
over to Tipu's - most notably Sharon, our chef, who brought her wonderful
burritos, delicious cakes (including the vegan carrot cake and cardamom
coffee cake!) and creative imagination.
We would like to thank all
of our loyal customers who supported us at 531 South Higgins through
our many incarnations. We invite you to find your way around the corner
to Tipu's. And don't forget to check out the Hob Nob on Higgins. We
have a very special neighborhood here!
A note about the artwork: The "Tiger Mural" at 531 South
Higgins was not right for the Hob Nob so it lies underneath a fresh
coat of paint. It was extensively photographed beforehand and a framed
picture of it hangs in Tipu's. And the neon tiger that was on the outside
of the building now also hangs in Tipu's, a wonderful new addition to
the funky atmosphere.
