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.