Nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Bozeman, Main Street Overeasy stands as a culinary landmark, renowned for serving up exceptional breakfasts for two decades. Since early 2018, the restaurant has been under the dedicated ownership of Nick Rogers and Michelle Dodge, who gracefully took over from the Carr family, the original founders of this cherished establishment. If you haven’t experienced the warm ambiance and hearty fare within the 131-year-old building at 9 E. Main Street recently, now is the perfect time to rediscover the magic of MSO.
In a conversation with Bozeman Magazine, Michelle Dodge fondly recalls the restaurant’s impressive history, “20 years!”. Nick Rogers humbly adds, “The Carrs, the previous owners of Main Street Overeasy, built something truly special here. We can’t take credit for that foundational success. They developed the menu, conceived the name, and nurtured this restaurant for over 19 years. We are incredibly fortunate to inherit such a thriving legacy. The transition happened on January 2, 2018, when we officially received the keys.”
Driven by a desire for entrepreneurship and work-life balance, Nick explains their foray into restaurant ownership. “I realized I was contributing to someone else’s financial success, not our own. We wanted to build something for ourselves, so we started exploring opportunities. With our extensive backgrounds in the restaurant industry – from dishwashing and serving to management – we knew we possessed the skills to run a successful eatery. We understand what it takes to delight customers and create delicious food.”
Nick emphasizes his passion for the restaurant business, “I genuinely love the social interaction, the leadership aspect, and the ability to cultivate a positive and welcoming environment. Happiness starts from the top and permeates through the entire team.” Michelle highlights the improved family hours as a major draw, “For me, it was about the hours. Nick’s previous job demanded long and unpredictable hours, often conflicting with our kids’ schedules. This restaurant allows for a much better family life. We close early afternoon, enabling us to be there for our children, something invaluable.”
“You can’t recapture missed moments, like a child’s soccer game,” Nick reflects. “Here, we close at 2 p.m. and finish up by 3 p.m. This schedule allows us to pick up our daughters from school and be present in their lives, which is truly wonderful for our family.”
When asked about Main Street Overeasy’s unique position in Bozeman’s diverse food scene, Nick points to its enduring appeal. “It’s a Bozeman staple, thanks to the groundwork laid by the Carrs. We’ve maintained its reputation for generous, classic breakfast portions and a comforting, old-fashioned style. While many breakfast spots are embracing modern trends, we continue to offer those traditional favorites. People often call us a ‘hidden gem’ because our location isn’t overtly visible. However, this adds to our charm. Customers discover us and are thrilled by what they find.”
At this juncture, a loyal patron named Jerry interjected to express his admiration, stating that among Bozeman’s breakfast scene, Nick and Michelle are “special, very special.” Nick warmly acknowledges Jerry’s long-standing patronage, “Thanks Jerry! He’s been a regular since the very beginning. I’ve heard he even used to have a personalized nameplate at his usual seat. Our regulars are like family; it truly feels like an extended family.”
Expanding on what sets Main Street Overeasy apart, Nick mentions their commitment to value and fresh, house-made ingredients. “We likely offer the most affordable biscuits and gravy with two eggs in Bozeman. Many of our dishes are made entirely from scratch. Our dedicated staff arrives at 4 a.m. daily to prepare hand-folded biscuits, creamy gravy, hollandaise sauce – everything is made fresh in-house. Our regulars often feel a sense of ownership here, and that’s exactly what we want. We are here for them; our customers are our priority.”
Describing the desired customer experience, Nick articulates, “I want every guest to have the best part of their day with us. Regardless of what else they encounter, I want their breakfast at Main Street Overeasy to be a highlight they remember fondly.” Michelle adds, “It truly is the best way to kickstart your day. A great breakfast here sets a positive tone. We genuinely enjoy creating this experience, and we want our customers to feel that infectious enthusiasm when they walk in – a sense of belonging and shared enjoyment.”
“People dine out for a positive experience,” Nick elaborates. “They seek delicious food and welcoming, respectful service. To deliver that consistently, we cultivate an environment where our servers naturally extend that warmth to our guests. Our ultimate aim is to ensure everyone leaves feeling happy and satisfied, no matter what it takes.”
Expressing their appreciation for the Bozeman community, Michelle states, “We adore the people here. We are always attuned to what Bozeman wants, and we strive to deliver that in our unique Main Street Overeasy style.” Nick highlights their commitment to local sourcing, “We prioritize local products. Our hash browns come from Whitehall, MT – grown and cut there, delivered fresh three times a week. We proudly serve locally roasted coffee from Yellowstone Coffee Roasters. Supporting local businesses is important to us. We see these relationships as partnerships, and we’re committed to showcasing their top-notch products, as their reputation is also reflected in our offerings.”
Regarding popular menu items, Nick shares, “Our Eggs Benedict is definitely a customer favorite. The Yellowstone Bison Scramble is another top seller; we make our homemade bison sausage in-house daily, adding a unique and flavorful touch.” Michelle adds, “For those with hearty appetites, the Jim Bridger is a must-try – it’s a substantial and satisfying dish!”
Looking ahead, Nick mentions upcoming promotions, “We offer $5 Biscuits and Gravy Monday through Friday. Students with a valid college ID receive a 20% discount this semester. And on October 15th, we’re launching our second ‘Seize the Deal’ promotion with Town Square Media. Customers can purchase gift cards at half price – a $30 gift card for $15, or $20 for $10, with no expiration date. These will be available for purchase for one week on the Seize the Deal website. For any major announcements or promotions, our website (mainstreetovereasy.com) is the best place to check.”
Main Street Overeasy
9 East Main Street
Downtown Bozeman, MT
OPEN 7 Days a Week 7am – 2pm
Serving Breakfast & Lunch
mainstreetovereasy.com
Discover daily specials and more on our website and Facebook page, or simply pop in to see the chalkboard menu. We warmly invite you to visit Main Street Overeasy soon and experience the delightful culinary creations Nick and Michelle are serving up!
