Byrds have big plans for U.S. 2 property

It’s been nine years since O’Brien and Melanie Byrd moved their liquor store business out of the Nord Building on Nucleus Avenue in Columbia Falls and onto the U.S. 2 strip.

Now the successful business couple are taking an even bigger step forward, taking ownership of several lots at U.S. 2 and First Avenue West owned by OKO Properties and once leased to Western Building Center.

This is more than just setting up O’Brien’s Liquor and Wine in a new location. The property includes two undeveloped lots on the west and a lot of retail space in a 5,000 square-foot building that once housed the Columbia Falls Army Navy store and most recently the Garden of Eden Thrift Store.

The Byrds, who are celebrating their business’ 10th anniversary this year, had been looking for a new location for some time.

“When we bought the liquor license from Jack Therrien of Jack’s Pharmacy more than a decade ago, we knew we wanted to be in it for the long haul,” O’Brien said. “That means that in the decades to come, we will continue to be active in the community outside of the store.”

That’s perhaps an understatement. A former school teacher, professional soccer player and nationally-recognized high school soccer coach, O’Brien has grown the local Flathead Rapids soccer program from its infancy in 1998 to where it now serves more than 1,000 youths across the North Valley.

The Byrds are also passionate about helping needy families and students, donating more than $5,300 to local recipients.

“We’re just excited to watch our three young children and our business flourish in this town, and we fully accept the responsibility that comes with having a store in such a showcase location,” Melanie said.

O’Brien will rely on his wife’s planning skills to get the new property ready for opening day on Oct. 31. Melanie, a former school teacher, does the bookkeeping for both the liquor store and the Flathead Rapids.

“She’s the ultimate organizer and neat freak,” he said.

The couple plan to make the move without losing a single day of business, just like they did nine years ago.

“We plan to move entirely in 24 hours, starting on a Saturday night,” O’Brien said.

The larger building will make it possible for them to take advantage of larger volume purchases that require more storage, but O’Brien is also considering another retail business in the building, like a gift shop.

“Not just for tourists — something for locals,” he said.

He also plans to make some changes right away to the empty lots west of the building.

“We’re really excited about beautifying and developing this property for the community,” he said.

The lots will be cleaned up and landscaped, O’Brien said, with plans for developing them for retail in the future. What to do with the two-story lumber sheds from Western Building Center days, however, is a “tricky” question, he conceded. He said the property comes with 20 feet of space behind the sheds, so he has some ideas.

In addition to good access and ample parking, the new location will enjoy the synergy of other neighborhood projects — the successful Montana Coffee Traders restaurant, Xanterra’s new warehouse-laundry and offices, and the city’s plans to landscape the entrance to Nucleus Avenue.

“In these 10 years of business, not a day has gone by that we aren’t overwhelmingly grateful to this wonderful community, not only for their patronage but for their support and friendship,” O’Brien said. “Now it’s exciting to own our own space and be able to offer our customers even better selection and more convenience.”