from produce stand to big sky staple
The Moose has grown so much since 1994, from a roadside produce stand to two thriving stores. If you are coming to Big Sky for the first time or visiting for the 100th, we look forward to hosting you. It’s always been our pleasure to nourish and nurture this amazing place we call home.
Mark and Jackie Robin started the store after a summer spent selling veggies and flowers at a roadside stand. At the time there wasn’t anywhere to buy either in Big Sky, and the Robins wanted their neighbors to have access to freshly grown goods. When the store opened that October, it was the first time Big Sky residents could shop in town for fresh produce.
A small deli was added. The store doubled in size.
The store moved to its current Town Center location with an expanded inventory of groceries, dry goods, produce, dairy, beer and wine. The deli grew with new hot and cold offerings, including espresso and ice cream.
The Mountain location opened at the base of Big Sky Resort, offering a variety of groceries, a hot bar and a made-to-order deli. Its opening served a vital need for locals and visitors to Big Sky Resort.
A central kitchen, offices and storage were added across the parking lot from the Town Center location, increasing production and storage capabilities.
Jackie transferred ownership of The Hungry Moose to The Kern family with roots back to Big Sky’s founder, Chet Huntley. The Town Center Moose expanded, creating space for more seating, an expansive gift area and a full service floral department.
At the Hungry Moose, we continue to carve our own path while living out our commitment to nourish community of Big Sky. In fact, many of our offerings are the results of our employees sharing their skills and passions with us.
We have also adopted sustainable practices, including:
Kristin Kern, Owner
We source local produce and flowers as much as possible and stock a full range of other Montana-made products. Not only is it more sustainable to source locally, it supports neighbors throughout Montana, including artists, growers and businesses.
While we all come from different backgrounds and places, our team members all have one thing in common: they found “home” in Big Sky. We are happy to introduce you to some of the great people who lead the team here at the Hungry Moose.
Kelly spent summers growing up in Big Sky. While earning her MBA and M.S. in foreign service from Georgetown University, she spent holidays working at the Hungry Moose, mastering sandwich making and stocking shelves. Now, she is proud to return and join the Hungry Moose team, alongside her mother, Kristin.
Kristin’s parents were native Montanans and passed on to her their pioneering spirit and love of this great place. The founder of Big Sky, Chet Huntley, is her uncle, so Big Sky is in her blood. After living overseas for 17 years, her family settled in Big Sky and wanted to participate in the growth solutions here. Carrying on the 25-year tradition of the Hungry Moose Market and Deli gives them that opportunity.
Tucker has been part of the Moose Crew for the last 10+ years. He has worked at many positions during his ascension to GM. He enjoys skiing, biking and the Moose's famous breakfast burritos!
Growing up in Pennsylvania in a farming family, surrounded by farms and fresh produce, Aaron realized her love of everything that grows. She moved to Montana at age 21 and got hooked on its mountains and people. When she isn’t busy at the Moose, you can find her out mountain biking, camping or paddling.
Growing up in Seattle, Shelby visited Southwestern Montana when she was young. She moved her shortly after turning 18 and made Big Sky her home. Here she watched the Moose serve as a community staple, and in 2021, she joined the team as HR Manager. She and her kids love exploring the store’s produce and candy selections.
Originally from the UP of Michigan, Brian has lived in many places working in customer service and retail. When not at work, you can catch him in the outdoors golfing or drinking wine.
View open positions at the Hungry Moose and learn what it’s like to work with us.
While we all come from different backgrounds and places, our team members all have one thing in common: they found “home” in Big Sky. We are happy to introduce you to some of the great people who lead the team here at the Hungry Moose.
View open positions at the Hungry Moose and learn what it’s like to work with us.