7 Secrets Behind Crooked Tree Great Falls MT: The Local Phenomenon That Just Doubled In Size

The phrase "Crooked Tree Great Falls MT" is currently synonymous with one of the city's most beloved and rapidly expanding local businesses: Crooked Tree Coffee & Cakes. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the coffee shop is experiencing a significant growth phase, having recently opened a highly anticipated second location to serve more of the Great Falls community. This expansion cements its status not just as a place for a morning brew, but as a central pillar of the local culinary and social scene, known for its commitment to in-house baking and community partnership. The story of Crooked Tree is one of entrepreneurial spirit, transitioning from a small wedding cake operation to a dual-location specialty coffee powerhouse. Beyond the lattes and baked goods, the name "Crooked Tree" in the Great Falls area also touches on a separate, vital non-profit initiative, creating a complex and compelling topical landscape for this seemingly simple local name.

The Core Entity: Crooked Tree Coffee & Cakes Biography & Profile

The success of Crooked Tree Coffee & Cakes is driven by its dedicated founders and their vision for quality and community.

• Names: Leah McCloskey and Lindsay Hager
• Role: Co-Owners and Founders
• Initial Concept: Began primarily as a custom wedding cake bakery.
• Downtown Location Opening: Opened the first coffee shop and bakery location in the heart of downtown Great Falls in 2011.
• Current Locations (As of 2024/2025):
  • Original Location: 501 1st Avenue North, Great Falls, MT.
  • New Second Location: 4117 2nd Avenue North, Great Falls, MT (Opened recently to meet growing demand).
• Specialty: In-house baked goods (pastries, cakes, cupcakes) and specialty coffee drinks.
• Community Involvement: Long-standing partnership with the Great Falls Rescue Mission, donating homemade pastries weekly.

1. The Big News: A Second Location to Serve the Growing Demand

The most current and exciting update for fans of Crooked Tree Coffee & Cakes is the opening of their second Great Falls location. This expansion is a clear indicator of the brand's immense local popularity and success. For years, the original downtown shop at 501 1st Avenue North has been a bustling hub, often packed with locals and tourists seeking their specialty coffee and famous treats. The new shop, located at 4117 2nd Avenue North, allows co-owners Leah McCloskey and Lindsay Hager to extend their reach and provide the same high-quality experience to a broader segment of the community. This move addresses the increasing demand for high-quality, locally owned specialty coffee outside of the central business district. The new location maintains the cozy, welcoming atmosphere that the brand is known for, ensuring a consistent experience for all patrons.

2. The Homemade Difference: Why Their Pastries Are Legendary

What truly sets Crooked Tree apart from national chains is its deep roots as a bakery. The business didn't start with coffee; it started with cakes. This history means that their baked goods are not an afterthought but a central, signature part of the experience. The menu is celebrated for its wide array of in-house baked goods, including:

• Cupcakes and Cakes: They are still highly regarded for their custom cakes, a nod to their original business model.
• Fresh Pastries: Daily-made pastries are a major draw, providing a fresh, comforting start to the day.
• Signature Syrups: The commitment to homemade quality extends to their drinks, where they feature homemade vanilla and other syrups. Their signature drink, for example, is a blend of sweet maple syrup and their homemade vanilla syrup, creating a unique and beloved flavor profile.

This focus on baking expertise elevates the entire coffee shop experience, transforming a simple coffee run into a culinary treat.

3. The Coffee Philosophy: Herkimer Beans and Specialty Brews

While the pastries are a highlight, the coffee itself is treated with equal importance. Crooked Tree has deliberately chosen to source its beans from Herkimer Coffee, a respected roaster based in Seattle. This choice is a strategic one, focusing on a high-quality, premium bean that ensures a rich and aromatic cup, distinguishing their product from mass-market offerings. The combination of expertly roasted Herkimer beans with their own homemade syrups provides a unique, high-end specialty coffee experience right in Great Falls, Montana. The owners' dedication to quality sourcing, even if from outside the state, demonstrates a commitment to providing the best possible product to their customers.

4. The Heart of the Community: Giving Back to Great Falls

Crooked Tree Coffee & Cakes is more than just a business; it is a dedicated community partner. Co-owners Leah McCloskey and Lindsay Hager have a long-standing commitment to giving back, most notably through their partnership with the Great Falls Rescue Mission. Every week, the bakery donates its surplus homemade pastries to the Rescue Mission. This consistent act of charity provides fresh, high-quality baked goods to those in need, showcasing the owners' desire to be part of the solution in their local community. This social responsibility is a key part of the brand's identity and is highly valued by its loyal customer base.

5. The Topical Authority Distinction: Crooked Tree Ranch

When researching the keyword "Crooked Tree Great Falls MT," a second, very different entity appears, which is essential for topical completeness: LifeHouse at Crooked Tree Ranch. It is crucial to note that this is a separate, non-commercial entity from the coffee shop. The LifeHouse at Crooked Tree Ranch is a vital initiative run by The LifeGuard Group. Its mission is to provide rescue, shelter, and renewal for survivors of human trafficking. While The LifeGuard Group is involved with local task forces in Great Falls, the ranch itself is a sanctuary located in the Bitterroot Valley, not Great Falls, Montana. This distinction clarifies that while two important entities in Montana share the "Crooked Tree" name, they serve entirely different, though equally valuable, purposes—one providing delicious coffee and community support, and the other providing a lifeline to survivors.

6. Why Locals Love It: The Intention Behind the Visit

The intention of a visit to Crooked Tree is rarely just for a quick caffeine fix. It is an intentional experience built around a few key factors:

• Atmosphere: The downtown location, in particular, offers a cozy, welcoming setting that encourages lingering and conversation.
• The "Treat" Factor: The high quality of the in-house pastries means a visit is often a planned indulgence, not just a necessity.
• Supporting Local: Customers are consciously supporting a locally owned and operated business with a proven track record of community involvement.

In a city with a vibrant local business scene, Crooked Tree has successfully carved out a niche as the go-to spot for specialty coffee paired with genuine, homemade bakery items.

7. The Future Outlook for Crooked Tree Great Falls MT

With the successful launch of the second location at 4117 2nd Ave North, the future looks bright for Crooked Tree Coffee & Cakes. The expansion indicates a strong, sustainable business model that is resonating with Montana residents. The dual locations offer increased convenience, ensuring that more people can access their signature drinks, like the maple-vanilla blend, and their famous homemade baked goods. The continued commitment of owners Leah McCloskey and Lindsay Hager to quality sourcing, in-house baking, and community service suggests that Crooked Tree will remain a Great Falls institution for many years to come.

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