Montana
Montana's Best Options For All-You-Can-Eat Buffets
Let me say, as a Montanan who is a fat guy AND a foodie, I try to follow the “no buffet” rule. What is the “no buffet” rule? Well, it’s not a rule per se, but more of a suggestion that I live by. Those over a certain amount of poundage have no business going to a buffet.
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I’m not trying to tell you how to live your life, but for me, I’ve seen way too many stand-up comics make fun of fat folks at the buffet, so I avoid them at all costs.
Having said that, several folks across Montana in all shapes and sizes love a good buffet. I mean, what’s not to love? All you can eat at one price! Plus, it allows you to sample a bit of this and that.
While buffets seem to be more popular in the heart of America than here in our area, we still have a few top-notch buffets that are worth the price of admission, and for all of you buffet lovers out there, we’ve got a list of the best based on reviews from Montanans across the state.
However, before we dive in, let’s take a look at Montana’s Best “Old School” Diners.
The Best “Old School” Diners In Montana
For those who love a walk down memory lane, Montana has more than a couple of “Old School” diners that have been serving locals and visitors across The Treasure State for decades. We take a look at the very best.
Gallery Credit: Derek Wolf
It seems that the pandemic did a number on buffets all across the country, including here in Montana. However, there are still a few that remain and we’re going to take a look at them.
Soup And Such – Billings, MT
Ok, I admit, I have been to Soup and Such and it’s pretty incredible. Not only do they have several different homemade soups daily, but they also have a pretty impressive salad bar, and let’s be honest, soup and salad are healthy, right? Soup and Such has two Billings locations.
Pizza Ranch – Billings, Butte, and Helena, MT
Pizza Ranch is a chain with locations all over the mid-west, including a location in Butte. Pizza Ranch is extremely popular with kids and teens and for those who are looking for more than pizza, they also offer chicken and different side dishes.
Silver Bow Pizza Parlor – Butte, MT
Silver Bow Pizza Parlor has been serving up delicious pizza for over 50 years and is a local favorite in the Butte area. With tons of options and toppings, a trip to Silver Bow Pizza Parlor certainly won’t disappoint.
Peaks Restaurant -Big Sky, MT
Located in the Summit Hotel in Big Sky, Peaks has an all-you-can-eat breakfast and lunch menu with several different options before you decide to hit the slopes for the day. Keep in mind, that it is in Big Sky, so it might be a little pricey for some.
China Buffet – Missoula, MT
Chinese buffets are always popular and one of the best in the state is located in Missoula. China Buffet has several stellar reviews and has been a favorite in the Garden City for some time.
Do you have a favorite buffet in Montana? If so, where is it? Let us know by sending us a message on our radio station app.
Taste Of Montana: 6 Of The Most Iconic Restaurants In Montana
If you are looking for a “Taste Of Montana” there are hundreds of places to check out around The Treasure State. No matter your palate, or your budget, multiple restaurants will absolutely wow you and your taste buds here in Big Sky Country.
Gallery Credit: Derek Wolf
Fall In Love With Montana: Top 7 Best Romantic Restaurants
Looking for the perfect restaurant for a date night or special occasion? Here are the most romantic restaurants in Montana.
Gallery Credit: jessejames
5 FOODS YOU CAN NO LONGER BUY IN MONTANA
Gallery Credit: jessejames
Montana
Montana minimum wage increases to $10.85 | Explore Big Sky
By Micah Drew DAILY MONTANAN
With the start of the new year, Montanans on the lowest end of the pay scale will get a small boost as the state’s mandatory minimum wage increase goes into effect.
As of Jan. 1, Montana’s minimum wage increased from $10.55 to $10.85.
Stemming from a 2006 law, Montana’s minimum wage is subject to a cost-of-living adjustment, based on the national increase in the consumer price index published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
According to state law, Montana businesses not covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act are those whose gross annual sales are $110,000 or less may pay $4 per hour.
Montana is one of 30 states — plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands — that have a minimum wage higher than the federal rate of $7.25.
Twelve states, plus D.C. adjust their wages annually based on set formulas.
Montana has one of the lowest minimum wages that exceeds federal levels, with only West Virginia coming in lower among states at $8.75. The highest minimum wage is in D.C., at $17.25.
Montana
Montana Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for Jan. 7, 2026
The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 7, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 7 drawing
15-28-57-58-63, Powerball: 23, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 7 drawing
05-14-15-21-39, Lucky Ball: 10
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lotto America numbers from Jan. 7 drawing
03-18-25-45-50, Star Ball: 04, ASB: 02
Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Jan. 7 drawing
05-09-12-15, Bonus: 02
Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Jan. 7 drawing
28-41-50-61-68, Powerball: 05
Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Montana Cash numbers from Jan. 7 drawing
09-11-13-16-40
Check Montana Cash payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
- Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
- Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.
Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Montana
California woman sentenced for smuggling attempt at border in Montana
MISSOULA, Mont. — A California woman who tried to smuggle her husband into the United States through northwest Montana has been sentenced to six months of probation, according to U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme.
Tracy Routh Lautenslager, 54, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to conspiracy to bring an alien into the United States at a location other than a designated port of entry. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided over the case.
Court documents allege Lautenslager entered the U.S. through the Roosville Port of Entry on April 1, 2025, then drove to the Swisher Lake area near Lake Koocanusa. Border Patrol agents later learned a man had crossed the border on foot nearby. Canadian authorities eventually apprehended the man, identified as Lautenslager’s husband, a citizen of Great Britain with no legal status in the U.S.
Investigators say Lautenslager admitted the couple planned to avoid the port of entry by having her husband cross illegally while she drove into the U.S. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katy Stack and investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol as part of Operation Take Back America.
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