Sunday Morning in Downtown Bozeman - Observations

Bozeman's a pretty trendy place right now and continues to go through change at a startling pace. Lots of complaints about things getting too busy and too expensive. I guess business owners and companies see dollar signs in their eyes when it comes to doing business in Bozeman. Here are two things I noticed on Sunday morning.


Bagels Etc., a downtown bagel shop on Main Street was once a place where you order at the counter and experience a chill bagel shop vibe but now offers table service. The change comes with $8.50 bagel sandwiches (Potatoes, appearing to be the frozen kind from the food service supplier, cost $3 extra) and waitstaff expectation of a 20% tip. The service was pretty poor - lots of fussing (Is everything okay? Do you need more water? How's everything tasting?) but I had to ask for a napkin and fork and the waiter seemed a bit miffed at my request. The bagel sandwich, however, was great.

Why do so many restauranteurs think it's necessary to have table service? Am I the only one that thinks it's nice to have a place where you order at the counter? It keeps things mellow and is the right sort of atmosphere for a bagel shop. Perhaps establishments with counter service don't fit with the new Bozeman image.

No, this is volleyball

Lululemon - Apparently this popular yoga apparel retailer is opening a store in downtown Bozeman. Signs in the window, where the old fly fishing shop used to be declare "This is Yoga"  and include photos of hipsters surfing, cruising around cities,  and doing everything else except yoga. Go figure.

I'm not personally familiar with Lulelemon, but I've heard it mentioned in casual conversation ("You know, she's one of those people who wears Lululemon to the grocery store.") for years. 

Since one of their stores is coming to town, I did a quick search on the web to find out more. Lululemon is the kind of brand mentioned in articles such as this that discuss why yoga pants are bad for women and this article from the Atlantic about fitness clothing as fashion. A quick look at their website reveals $120 yoga tights and $44 shirts "ideal for layering underneath sweaters." Yes, Bozeman will now have a retail store selling these items.