The Montana Club, under new ownership and after a year of transition and renovations, is back in business after its speakeasy-style bar reopened this week, offering Helena a traditional experience with new life, according to owner Ajitpal Pannu.
A little over a year ago, the historic club’s officials announced that it was ceasing operations after filing for bankruptcy in 2023.
First established in 1885, the club offered exclusive amenities and private events — an element that Ajitpal Pannu wanted to not just continue, but revamp.
“I think there’s a lot of history here, I strongly believe in experiences,” Pannu told Montana Free Press. “I think we live in a world where people don’t want to just go to places, they wanna experience certain things. And I think our intention is that we give them the ability to experience the way this bar used to be.”
The Montana Club, 24 W. Sixth Ave., houses a restaurant, tenants on the fourth and fifth floors, spaces to rent for special events and a basement speakeasy-themed bar, The Rathskeller, which will open to the public Thursday.
The club first caught the attention of the California-based businessman last year when the Rathskeller was put up for sale, and he tried to purchase it then.
“ That, unfortunately, did not happen, which I think is that everything happens for a reason,” Pannu said.
Eventually, Pannu successfully purchased the entire six-story building and said the transition from the previous owners, The Original Montana Club Cooperative Association, went smoothly.
“ I think the building needed somebody who needed to take ownership and start fixing things,” Pannu said. “I believe everyone appreciated that somebody was at the table, was willing to take a little bit more responsibility financially, as well as getting things done technically. “
Although some renovation work is ongoing in the historic building, the Rathskeller has upgraded furnishings, renovated bathrooms and a new HVAC system.
The club’s improvements didn’t stop with building restoration but continued into its services and offerings. Pannu said the Rathskeller will serve drinks created decades ago by the club’s original bartender, Julian Anderson, but with modern takes and fresh ingredients.
“ When people are here … they’re able to experience the way it used to be, hopefully with a little bit more luxury and seating and everything else,” Pannu said.
While some aspects of the Montana Club, such as the Rathskeller and the third-floor Garden Room, set to offer guests a “high-tea” experience, will be open to the public, Pannu wanted to maintain and highlight what the club can offer to its members.
Members will have access to exclusive benefits such as a private bar, cigar room, wine storage and private events and social gatherings, according to the Montana Club’s website.
Pannu wants members to feel “a sense of a third place ” and believes the club can provide them with that camaraderie. He anticipates inviting members in June for the full Montana Club experience.
The number of club memberships will be limited, and those interested must apply on the club’s website. The club has not publicly shared the cost of joining.
Charles Robison, president of the Original Montana Club Cooperative Association’s board of directors, told MTFP that the club’s transition into its next chapter is like stepping back in time.
“ He’s done such an amazing job of giving it a facelift and rebuilding the guts of the building while preserving all the unique historical characteristics and everything that has drawn people to it for so long,” Robison said.
Robison added that he plans to continue patronizing the club and becoming a member, as well as helping out as much as he can during the remainder of the club’s rebirth.
“I wanna offer my help, and I think a lot of people in the community wanna be helpful and offer our thoughts,” Robison said. “It’s great to have the opportunity to share two cents with new ownership.”
Pannu shares the same sentiment with Robison as the Club begins to welcome the public and members back. He said he encourages the community to share feedback about their experience.
“ We’re not going to be perfect. We’re gonna make mistakes and I think they should tell us, and hopefully, if it makes sense, we will course correct and we’ll fix those things,” Pannu said. “I want them to feel proud of the building, and they feel proud of the location, and then hopefully come and enjoy it, and then feel we didn’t mess it up.”
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