At the Rural Retreat in Great Falls, Montana, our Idea Friendly 23-minute movie was shown to a group of people at a local spot, the Commons on Central – just like we do at a watch party!
The Commons on Central is a Shared Space
There are four businesses at the Commons on Central:
- a bar,
- a coffee shop,
- a charcuterie shop and
- a party room.
They each face each other, with no dividing walls. They complement each other nicely. Drink a craft beer and nosh on a charcuterie board. Enjoy a cup of coffee either at the coffee shop or in a more private seating area further back. While you’re having a book club gathering, why not have a glass of wine too?
It is truly a Shared Space, and I bet your small town could replicate it.
It is a curated co-op in the heart of Great Falls focusing on community, celebration, and collaboration.
Annies Tap House
Annie is the current owner’s great-grandmother, and she was the first woman to homestead in Central Montana. They opened up this business and honored her history as a farmer, homesteader, and a bit of a revolutionary. You can try diverse craft beer and wine from the area and sit at the specialty-made bar that showcases the Missouri River and all the stops along the way in Great Falls.
Al Banco Coffee
Al Banco is a locally owned and operated coffee shop and modern bistro, focused on simplicity and quality. It wasn’t open when we were there later in the evening. I’m told they roast their own coffee, make their own scrumptious treats, and stay pretty busy.
All The Things
Charcuterie boards are available when open and when closed! The two owners, Carie and Melissa, started by taking orders for Thanksgiving charcuterie boxes.
They now have their kitchen in The Commons downtown, fill orders daily, and have expanded their offerings to include grazing tables, catering, and teaching workshops. They understand the importance of giving the customer an experience!
Whispering Petals
Have your book club here. Or perhaps some live music. Bridal shower, birthday party, kids’ event, storytelling, and the ideas go on and on. For the 4th of July, they hosted free selfie shots with a patriotic background. This picture shows one room, and a small kitchen is located through the barn doors. The tables can be moved, decorations added, and there’s lots of fun to be had.
Benefits of Shared Spaces
I noticed that these four businesses were not the first four to go into the Commons. We know businesses come and go, and when you share a space, it is easier to absorb the loss of one business. You can also add smaller businesses and give your entrepreneurs the opportunity to try out their ideas.
Reduced costs, shared expenses, and the ability to market more effectivelyare three easy-to-see benefits of shared spaces.
Networking and combating a sense of loneliness are two more benefits. This particular coop makes networking much easier and brings more people into one location.
We know community happens when people talk to each other.
Here’s a way to support your local businesses, build community, and enhance the quality of life for your residents. What kind of shared spaces do you have in your town? What shared space could you start today?