Thirty Eight revitalizes vacant downtown lot

Riffs of live music and aromas from Flathead Valley’s best food trucks drifted throughout the streets of downtown Whitefish all summer at Thirty Eight, a new outdoor venue that opened on an empty lot downtown. 

“It’s been a great summer. There’s something here for everyone – live music, variety of food, Sweet Peaks ice cream, an open bar, games for kids – everyone can find something they like,” said Chad Mercer, general manager. 

Located at 38 Central Ave., at the corner of First Street, the prime location has been vacant since the early 1980s, although it has had stints in offering parking, and several different developers have made plans to open a hotel at the property, but none ever materialized.  

In a March 2024 interview with the Pilot, Justin Doll with Averill Hospitality, the owners of Thirty-Eight, said that there were “logistical challenges” with their most recent plans for a 40-room hotel, and that they instead wanted to “run with the food truck thing... and who knows. We’re open to the idea of turning this into something big.” 

And big it has been, bringing vitality downtown for locals and visitors alike. Except for a handful of bad weather days, the venue has boasted live music from a variety of local artists every day since opening in June until the end of their season on Oct. 5.  

Fifteen different food trucks rotated each day, some being main stays with a fixed schedule, and others only making an occasional stop.  

Up to 10 vendors sold anything and everything from sourdough naan bread, to vintage Western wear, plants and jewelry. Flowers baskets, leafy herbs and vegetables for sale from Hooper’s Garden Center have filled the lot with blooms. Greer Baines, an employee from Hooper’s, said that they’re excited to just have another place to put their name out there.  

“It’s been excellent exposure. We met a lot of new people who haven’t heard of us, either because they’re new to the valley or haven’t been up to Kalispell to see us,” said Leah Morrison, fellow Hooper’s employee.  

Mercer said that as far as organizing it all, he’s had some help.  

“Stefanie Bridges with Rebel Roots has been a mediator between us and some of the food trucks. She’s been a huge help,” Mercer said.  

Maggie Lynch with Whitefish Music Scene “has been awesome as well” in coordinating artists, Mercer said.  

“It’s been a learning process as we go. In the offseason we’ll try and improve on what we’ve done. We have a lot of momentum and want to resonate even more with the locals,” Mercer said. 

Bridges, owner of Rebel Roots Kitchen, said she has a few ideas for making things even better for next year, such as a happy hour or industry night, just “hooking people up... It’s been really cool. It’s a great lot – and – it’s not a hotel.” 

While Thirty Eight is closed for the regular season, people can look out for a number of special events throughout the fall and winter, with downtown Whitefish’s Halloween costume contest being the next on the calendar. 

    Stefanie Bridges and her 'ride-or-die' business partner Brit McNamara at their Rebel Roots Kitchen food truck at Thirty Eight on Sept. 14. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)