Friends Partner to build an Oasis

Bloom Coffeehouse and Eatery

Photography by Stu Hoefle

Heather Newport, manager, and Jaelin Jamison, barista

Lisa Swanson’s husband, Scott, always told her if they ever returned to Glendive, they were going to buy the local greenhouse – the one he grew up across the street from and the one which first employed him.  Years later, his dream came to fruition, but it was Lisa that turned it into the business that it is today.

“When the business came up for sale, we jumped on it,” Lisa started. 

The greenhouse was one of the first ones built in Montana, dating back to 1917. It is said that the business’s reputation even caught the attention of Teddy Roosevelt who made a visit from his North Dakota residence. 

“It was the only greenhouse in Glendive for years,” Lisa explained. “But when we bought it, I always thought it would be cool to have coffee inside.”

Located in a residential neighborhood a block off Main Street, the Swansons operated the greenhouse while maintaining full time jobs, leaving little time or energy to manage a coffee shop too. Determined to fulfill her vision, Lisa approached several individuals with a coffee shop proposal, including her friend Terri Carney.  

Terri is also a native to Glendive who left home when she was 18 and spent the next 25 years as a volunteer in overseas humanitarian work. Upon returning to Glendive, she worked for a judge in the judicial district court.

“Every time Lisa came to me, the timing wasn’t right,” Terri said. “She wanted to open a coffee shop, but when I’d look at the greenhouse, I’d laugh and tell her, ‘I don’t see your vision.’” 

The third time must have been the charm as Terri finally agreed to become Lisa’s partner. 

“I told her, ‘fine, I’ll be your partner, but only if we open a wine bar, too,’” Terri noted.

Balancing their friendship and their families which include nine children between the two, Terri and Lisa have grown their coffee shop to a successful eatery and evening wine bar in just five years.  Today, the business is one of Glendive’s hidden treasures.

“It’s taken a lot of work,” Lisa said. “We went through COVID and remodeling both. Finally, we decided to quit the greenhouse business and concentrate on the eatery, and things started coming together.”

The greenhouse concept remains at the forefront of the dining experience, contributing largely to their success.  In the dead of winter when the temperature hovers close to zero and the snow flies, inside the greenhouse, the balmy temperature and tropical plants allow customers to escape the harsh Montana winter and enjoy a moment of peace. Barn wood and tin throughout the store front create a welcoming atmosphere and comfortable seating invites patrons to stay awhile. 

“What we love, we also hate,” Lisa said. “The temperature in a greenhouse gets very warm in the summer and we don’t have air conditioning, so we had to come up with a way to expand outdoors and keep our clientele coming.”

What was once a neighborhood eyesore overrun with weeds and long-forgotten junk became a solution to their summer heat problem. Working with a local landscaper, the partners converted a junkyard behind the building into an incredible, green courtyard. A groomed grass center is circled by pea sized gravel and an attractive privacy fence, all flanked by trees, shrubs, and ornamental grasses. Patrons can choose to enjoy their beverages or meal at one of the intimate tables scattered throughout the courtyard or lounge in the outdoor furniture shaded by large umbrellas. A corner stage hosts live music during summer wine evenings, adding another element to the relaxing vibe. 

The energy and drive of both women is evident. During the morning rush, loyal customers drop by to grab their favorite coffee and as lunch approaches, fresh salads and sandwiches are served to their dedicated diners. 

“We’re really the only establishment in Glendive like this,” Terri said. “It’s a great place for our community to come.”

Their success wasn’t achieved free of hardships, though. Remodeling an ancient building takes time, and money, and the wine and beer licensing process took almost a year. 

“We came so close to giving up on our dream so many times,” Lisa said. “But we persevered even when the battle was completely uphill.”

Prepping for the evening specials offered exclusively on Thursdays and Fridays, the two reflected on the path that led them to where they are today. 

“We enjoy what we do for sure,” Terri said. “This has been a good fit for both of us.”

As temperatures drop and fall nears, the soft glow of lights strung across the fence transforms the courtyard ambience. With cooler evenings comes the chance to light the fire pit and sip a wine cocktail or a spiced hot drink while enjoying the open flame.

“We try to change things up to keep our customers coming back,” Lisa said. 

Their efforts not only keep the locals returning but draw in a wide variety of visitors.  On a summer afternoon, over half the cars parked out front were from out of town and many from out of state.

Looking ahead, the partners hope to expand a wine bar into another greenhouse but know it will be an uphill battle to make it happen.  

“Because it’s a wine license, it has to go through legislation, and there’s a lot of work too, but we’re going to keep fighting for it,” Lisa said. “I’m the visionary, but Terri keeps us in line.”  

“Lisa’s the gas, I’m the brake,” Terri laughed. “But together we make it happen.”