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7 Surprising Secrets Of Front Street Market & Catering: Butte’s Hidden Foodie Paradise

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Step inside Front Street Market & Catering, and you immediately understand why this Butte, Montana institution is often called the city's "best-kept secret." More than just a deli or a grocery store, this location is a vibrant, decades-old culinary hub that masterfully blends the charm of a traditional Italian market with the gourmet sophistication of a specialty food shop. As of late 2024 and into 2025, the market continues to evolve, solidifying its status as a true "Butte heartbeat" and a must-visit destination for both locals and travelers seeking unique, high-quality ingredients and world-class prepared foods.

The market’s success, which spans over 30 years, is a testament to its commitment to quality and service, a legacy built by owners Jim and Marla Yakawich. From its humble beginnings, the establishment at 8 West Front Street has grown into a comprehensive service provider, known equally for its full-service deli and its extensive, affordable catering operations, which have recently seen renewed focus and expansion to meet modern demand.

The Culinary Empire of Jim and Marla Yakawich

The story of Front Street Market & Catering is inextricably linked to its long-time owners, Jim and Marla Yakawich. Their vision transformed a simple space into a complex, multi-faceted food destination. Here is a brief look at the key entities behind this Montana landmark:

  • Owners: Jim Yakawich and Marla Yakawich
  • Location: 8 West Front Street, Butte, Montana, 59701
  • Established: Over 30 years ago (as of the current date)
  • Core Identity: Full-service Italian Deli, Gourmet Grocery, and Professional Catering Service
  • Unique Culinary Focus: Italian cuisine with distinct Cajun influences, alongside a wide array of international gourmet foods.
  • Recent Expansion: Significantly expanded Wine Room, featuring over 2,000 wine selections.
  • Community Role: Voted a "Butte heartbeat" and a popular "foodie destination."

The Expanded Wine Room: A Global Selection in Butte, MT

One of the most significant and recent updates to Front Street Market & Catering is the dramatic expansion of its wine room. This development has transformed the market from a regional specialty store into a world-class wine destination. The market now boasts an inventory of over 2,000 different wine selections, sourced from vineyards across the globe.

This massive selection caters to every palate and budget, from everyday table wines to rare vintages, offering a level of choice rarely seen in the Northwest. The expansion reflects a growing demand for high-quality, curated beverage options to complement the market's gourmet food offerings.

For the dedicated connoisseur, the market also operates a highly exclusive Wine Club. This club has a membership of approximately 165 individuals who receive two carefully selected bottles of wine each month. This dedicated cellar and club structure demonstrate the market's deep commitment to the culture of fine dining and gourmet living.

The wine department is not just about sales; it’s an integrated part of the market’s culinary education. Staff are knowledgeable, often providing perfect pairing recommendations for the deli’s famous smoked meats, gourmet cheeses, or fresh pasta dishes.

Deli Delights: Italian Roots Meet Cajun Spice

At the core of Front Street Market’s daily operations is its full-service deli, which has earned a reputation for excellence that stretches far beyond Butte. The deli is a unique fusion of culinary traditions, primarily rooted in Italian grocery and deli staples, but with intriguing Cajun influences that set it apart.

The deli’s menu is a celebration of homemade quality. Visitors consistently rave about the ready-to-eat meals and specialty items. Must-try items for any first-time visitor include the homemade raviolis, hearty lasagnas, and traditional Montana pasties. The market's reputation for high-quality, freshly prepared food is a major draw for the lunch crowd and those looking for quick, delicious dinner solutions.

A Focus on Quality Ingredients and Prepared Foods

  • Smoked Meats: A house specialty, the market is famous for its wide array of expertly smoked meats, perfect for sandwiches or charcuterie boards.
  • Gourmet Cheeses: An extensive selection of gourmet cheeses, both domestic and imported, provides the perfect accompaniment to the expanded wine collection.
  • Specialty Sauces: The market stocks unique, high-end ingredients, such as Stanislaus Food Products’ “Exclusivo” wild porcini sauce, often featured in their popular cooking classes.
  • Global Groceries: Beyond Italian and Cajun, the shelves are stocked with specialty German, Gourmet, and Greek food items, making it a one-stop shop for international cooking.

Catering Excellence: From Box Lunches to Hollywood Sets

The "Catering" part of the market’s name is a serious commitment, not an afterthought. Front Street Market & Catering provides affordable, full-service catering for nearly any event size or style. They pride themselves on offering one of the largest selections of food items for catering in the region.

The services are versatile, ranging from casual box lunches for corporate events to formal, full-service buffet dinners for weddings and large gatherings. Their menu includes popular, crowd-pleasing options like Meat & Cheese Trays, Seasonal Fruit Platters, and Veggie Trays, all prepared with the same attention to quality as their deli fare.

The Surprising Hollywood Connection

Perhaps the most fascinating and unique piece of the market’s history is its connection to Hollywood. In the early days of their catering expansion, Jim and Marla Yakawich landed a high-profile gig: catering for the production of the classic Western television miniseries, *Lonesome Dove*.

The market not only "fed all the actors" during the production but also utilized another unique feature of their building: the basement. The owners sold many of the antiques stored in the basement to the cast and crew of the show, demonstrating the market's long-standing role as a community hub that offers more than just food. This historical footnote cements Front Street Market & Catering as a true Montana landmark with a story unlike any other.

Front Street Market’s Role as a Community Hub

For over three decades, Front Street Market has been more than a business; it has been a cornerstone of the Butte community. Its thoughtful organization, where items are grouped by culinary logic rather than just category, makes shopping a unique and enjoyable experience.

The market’s success is built on providing a unique, friendly, and fun shopping experience. Whether you are a local picking up a ready-to-eat lasagna, a gourmet chef searching for a specific imported cheese, or a wine enthusiast looking for a rare vintage, the market offers a curated selection that enriches the local food landscape. The market remains a vibrant, evolving "foodie destination" that continues to draw visitors eager to discover Butte's best-kept secrets.

7 Surprising Secrets of Front Street Market & Catering: Butte’s Hidden Foodie Paradise
front street market & catering
front street market & catering

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