What is Montago
Pronounced Mon-tä-gō
Montago is a combination of Montana and Otago. Otago is a region in New Zealand that we fell in love with while living there for a year. It reminded us a lot of Montana’s dramatic alpine landscapes and foothills with semi-arid grasslands. Both lie close to 45º parallel N and S respectively which lends to similar climates, but to us it brought an immediate sense of home. Growing up in the foothills of mountainous landscapes, we felt completely comfortable in this region even though we were quite literally on the opposite side of the world and that’s exactly the experience we strive to create for each of you when you visit our space. A sense of home away from home whether you’re visiting from a world away or just up the street.
Our Founders
Rachael Weidlich
Rachael Weidlich has been working in coffee for over 10 years and has managed three different coffee shops/cafes. She is a Montana native (shout out to Laurel) who loves creating and fostering community growth and education of subjects she loves, particularly coffee. She previously worked at two different coffee shops in New Zealand where she learned the value of adapting to one’s surroundings in order to serve a varying customer base.
Steven Ladefoged
Steven Ladefoged is a Colorado Native who loves fishing skiing and everything outdoors. He has lived in Montana off and on for the last 8 years, where he first pursued a career as a fly fishing guide that took him back to Colorado to guide the waters close to home. Since then he has enjoyed perusing his a passion for learning about all aspects of coffee from the science of brewing methods, roasting, and farming practices. His other passions consist of food, beer, enjoying live music, and cultivating community in the best damn town in the west.