Connor’s Story - Mo Bowl’s

“They’re our neighbors, coworkers, peers, and, in my personal experience, some of our favorite students.”

That’s how Connor, owner of Mo’Bowls, describes the people we serves.

Before taking over Mo’Bowls, Connor taught students from fifth through 12th grade in Bozeman and surrounding school districts while also working in the local restaurant industry. Today, he sees his role as a chef and restaurateur as another way to care for the community he’s called home.

For Connor, that work has naturally led him to HRDC.

Mo’Bowls has been connected with HRDC since 2019, when the team utilized the kitchen at Fork & Spoon’s former location on 7th Avenue. Since then, Mo’Bowls has continued finding ways to show up, from our  Back to School Shopping Event and ECE Literacy Carnival to BINGO nights, meals at our emergency shelter and even HRDC’s Christmas parties.

“We’ve been fortunate enough to be part of so many different events,” Connor said. “For all these different groups of people and very different occasions, I hope what we provide in each of those moments is exactly the same: a hot meal made with care and served with a smile.”

That consistency matters to Connor. As someone who has spent his career feeding and teaching people, he knows that food is about more than satisfying hunger. It can create connection, dignity and a sense of belonging.

He’s also seen firsthand how easily someone can fall into food insecurity.

“People don’t always realize how significant food insecurity is in so many people’s day-to-day lives,” he said. “Or how stressful it can be to constantly wonder: Where am I going to get my next meal?”

Connor believes one of the biggest misconceptions about food insecurity is that the people using community resources are somehow separate from the rest of us.

“They’re not,” he said. “They’re our neighbors, coworkers, peers, and, in my personal experience, some of our favorite students.”

He remembers seeing former students at events over the years. Being able to serve them a warm meal while supporting programs they may need is a full-circle moment for him.

But one day at Homeward Point stands out.

Connor and his wife and co-owner, Kerry, generously brought their food truck to provide a free lunch. In their minds, it was simple. People needed lunch, and feeding people is what they do. After serving the meal, they stayed.

They shared coffee around the tables, talked about sports and the weather, listened to stories and even met a few dogs along the way.

“Everyone could not have been kinder or more appreciative,” Connor said.

That day reminded him that making a difference doesn’t always have to be complicated.

“Sometimes making a difference can be as simple as sharing a meal, a cup of coffee, and a conversation with someone you may not otherwise have had the opportunity to meet,” he said.

As Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley grow, he worries about what happens to the people who make this community what it is.

“The people working in our restaurants, ski shops, schools, small businesses, and everywhere in between are the people who make Bozeman more than just a beautiful place to live or visit,” he said. “They deserve the opportunity to live and thrive in the community they help create every day.”

To Connor, our work helps make that possible.

“Without HRDC, I worry we would lose not only our neighbors, but a piece of the character that has always made this community feel like home.”

And through Mo’Bowls, Connor is proud to play a small part in making sure those neighbors have a place at the table.

“We serve the same quality food and offer the same hospitality to everyone who comes to our window,” he said. “I hope every person we serve knows that we’re genuinely happy they’re there and how appreciative we are to have them as our guest.”