Located just south of the Exxon at Four Corners, Mama Mac’s Bakery and Sandwich Shop is held in the cedar sided building; for as long as I can remember. Employees arrive at 4:30 AM to start baking the batters and doughs that magically turn into brownies, pastries, and a wide assortment of breads, both for sale and sandwiches.

The morning I went in for breakfast I was greeted cheerfully by Linda almost before I got into the shop. Literally. “What can I get for you?” she chirped, then she laughed. “I guess I can let you get in the door first.” The early morning light streaming in through the windows lining two of the walls highlights the spotless condition of the combination seating for 43.

I ordered the biscuit, egg and sausage special for $8.75 which included all-I-could-drink Rocky Mountain Roasting Company coffee from the drink bar. Regretfully I couldn’t order more than one meal because the breakfast sandwiches, ranging in price from $6.00 to $7.25, looked delicious. I grabbed my table number and found a seat.

My breakfast arrived on two heavy plastic dark blue granny ware plates. The biscuits were tender on the inside and delicately crispy on the outside with a buttery flavor that supported the homemade sausage gravy well. The sausage patty was as big as a hamburger, the hash browns were steaming, and the over easy eggs were done perfectly. The portions are very large, so much so I couldn’t finish my meal.

Breakfasts options also include the Tortilla Scramble, Quiche, or omelets. Breakfast is served from 6-11:00 AM Monday through Friday and until noon on Saturday and Sunday.

When you’re at the counter be sure to ask for a to go menu. Linda invited me to call or fax ahead to order lunch for pickup or to ask about the daily soups and specials. I noticed quite a few people come in to pick up their orders on their way to work. Each person was greeted and joked with whether Linda or Mary knew their name or not, adding to the small-town welcoming familiar feel of the place.

Last Friday my friend James and my husband Tim joined me for lunch. Arriving between slices of house-made bread, my hot pastrami on rye, accompanied by chips and a pickle, was hearty and satisfying with fried red onions, Swiss and brown mustard. James had a Perky Turkey with sautéed peppers, onions and mushrooms with pepper jack, which he reported as capital. Tim had the lunch special of clam chowder and half an egg salad sandwich. He said the soup tasted wonderful, although could have been hotter, and the egg salad was delicious (I stole a forkful).

Lunches include build your own sandwiches with your choice of meat, cheese, bread, condiments and veggies and come with chips and a pickle. The Specialty Sandwiches cover tuna salad, TAB (turkey, avocado and bacon), chicken salad, egg salad, and the Classic Club.

Admittedly the prices seem steep until you remember the bread is baked freshly every day in house – not many sandwich shops can make that boast. Linda, Mary and the others really treat you like royalty from the time you walk in and throughout your meal: picking up empty plates, asking about your meal and offering to refill your drinks. They sincerely want to make your time with them memorable. I’ll be sure to go there more often myself now that I’ve gotten reacquainted with their wonderful offerings. Make sure to stop on your way to Big Sky and you won’t be disappointed. It’s easy to find at 81809 Gallatin Road, or call ahead at 406-522-8690 or fax 522-8692. Hours are Monday through Sunday, 6am to 3pm. Breakfast $5-8.50, Lunch $6.25-8.75, Specialty Sandwiches $8.50-10.

The soup could have been a bit hotter, the prices could be a bit lower, but the service blows me out of the water. Five spokes for Mama Mac’s Bakery and Sandwich Shop.

Stacey Alzheimer has been slaving away at her taxes. Otherwise she can be found at Theraputika Massage in Bozeman.