The Old Saloon in Emigrant, Montana Has Sold

Summary: The Old Saloon, one of Montana's most famous bars, officially sold on April 1, 2025. If you followed this story when it came up for sale, you know this wasn't just another commercial sale. This was a piece of Montana history changing hands. 

The History of the Old Saloon

When the Old Saloon first hit the market in January 2025, it drew immediate attention from both locals and folks far beyond Park County. It wasn’t surprising. Buildings like this don’t hit the market often, and this one has been standing strong since 1902.

Originally named "The Livery", the business was opened as a restaurant & watering hole in an old barn that was moved from down the road. After closing down during the prohibition, the bar sat empty for decades. Then in 1962, the Old Saloon was reopened by the original owner's son. It stayed largely unchanged until it sold in 2016.

After the sale, the Old Saloon was revived and quickly became more than a bar. The Old Saloon turned into a concert destination, attracting artists like:

• Charley Crockett, 

• Ryan Bingham

• Turnpike Troubadours. 

On summer nights, Emigrant, which has a population of less than 300 people, would swell by the thousands as crowds filled the valley.

When Did The Old Saloon Go Up For Sale?

In January 2025, the Old Saloon hit the market. 

"Serving Outlaws and Cowgirls since 1902, The Old Saloon has been the stop-off between Livingston and Yellowstone for 122 years and looks directly at the most photographed mountain in Montana. After a complete renovation and expansion over the last 9 years, the owners have decided to pass the torch to the next steward of this Montana roadside icon. "

The sale also included:

• The business’s intellectual property

• Marketing assets

• Historic photography

• Nearly all of the memorabilia that gave the Old Saloon its character.

The property was listed for $3,429,000 and was represented by Brett Evje of PureWest Real Estate. It quickly went under contract and has now officially changed hands.

What’s Next for the Old Saloon?

Texas natives Matt and Melody Ferstler are the new owners of the Old Saloon, stepping in after years of living just down the road and spending plenty of time at the bar themselves. 

Matt, who co-founded an Austin-based shared workspace company and also works in the oil and gas industry, spent a 60-day transition period learning the ropes from former owner and the longtime staff. He’s the first to admit that he's new to the restaurant industry, but he’s already taken to the fast pace and the crew that “feels like a family.”

The new owners plan to:

• Keep the Old Saloon’s heritage front and center while making a few thoughtful updates
• Explore faster food options
• Bring more prep work in-house
• Add a light touch of Southern influence
• Preserve the Old Saloon as a community anchor

So, there's a good chance the Old Saloon will keep doing what it does best: serving locals and visitors, and giving people a reason to pull off Highway 89.

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