June 19, 2025 •Anya Wells
Two Sisters, One Vision: Bringing Big Flavor to a Small Town
Amber and Cassie Coburn didn’t set out to own a restaurant. In fact, they swore they wouldn’t. But today, the sisters co-own The Jawbone—a 1920s-themed cocktail lounge and eatery—in the heart of White Sulphur Springs, Montana.
“We kind of always said that we would never own a restaurant,” Cassie admitted. “But we love White Sulphur Springs, we love Meagher County. And so we felt like if we brought something that White Sulphur didn’t already have, it could be a really cool thing and add a lot of value to our community.”
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Inspired Abroad, Built at Home
The Coburn sisters' journey took an unexpected turn while studying abroad in Australia. There, they explored the bar and restaurant scene—an opportunity they didn’t have as underage students in the U.S.
“We could really go around and see different bars and things that we haven’t been able to do in the States,” Amber said. “Which was kind of a fun way for us to... research and development for the restaurants.”
That inspiration eventually became The Jawbone, a space influenced by a speakeasy-style concept they encountered in Australia. While they couldn’t keep it entirely hidden of course, they embraced the vintage aesthetic with 1920s decor and classic cocktails.
Running a Business in Rural Montana
Launching a fine dining cocktail lounge in a rural town came with its share of challenges. Sourcing skilled chefs and bartenders wasn’t easy, and even getting customers to try unfamiliar menu items took time.
“We had a hard time in our first year just even getting the business and people in the door,” Amber recalled. “But once we built up our reputation, it got a little bit easier.”
Weather, housing shortages, and staffing issues have all played a role in shaping the way the sisters run their business. Over time, they’ve learned that recruiting people to work in White Sulphur Springs means providing housing—and that the right hire often comes down to personality over experience.
“Our chef and our bartender literally work back to back and in front of customers,” Cassie said. “So I think that's kind of become a larger priority—personality and go-with-the-flow attitudes.”
Leading With Heart and Hustle
As young women business owners, the Coburns have navigated leadership challenges from the beginning. Many of their employees have been older than them, which has pushed them to grow in confidence and clarity.
“I feel like I lead by example,” Amber said. “So I like to work alongside our employees and do the work with them instead of just telling them what to do.”
Cassie added that learning how to pivot under pressure has been crucial: “It’s pretty easy to say there’s a hole in the ceiling, but coming up with the plan to get it fixed and get back open—I think is huge.”
Community Is Everything
From day one, community support has made all the difference for The Jawbone.
“We do have to rely on our community to support us,” Amber said. “And we created our space to do events and do community events in there.”
The sisters are active in the local chamber of commerce, collaborate with nearby businesses, and even host street dances to draw more people to Main Street. As Cassie described, “Neighbors helping neighbors” isn’t just a saying—it’s a way of life in White Sulphur Springs.
Family Roots, Lasting Impact
The Jawbone is part of a growing restaurant group the sisters operate with their mother, who originally opened Bar 47 in 2014. Their brother and sister have also been involved, making it a true family affair.
“I think it’s brought us a lot closer,” Cassie said. “It’s given us a real identity in our community that people know us for and is really a way that we can give back… just by having an open door on Main Street.”
If you are interested in hearing more of Amber and Cassie’s story, you can watch the full video below!
To read the video's transcript, click here.
Connect with the Coburn Sisters on Instagram @thejawbonemt or their website.
Professional photos were taken by Soul Craft Media. Or follow her on Instagram @soul.craft.media.
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Interview by Anya Wells, RMWBC Marketing Assistant and Storytelling Extraordinaire
