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Articles by Stephanie Dickerson
Ramada Fargo sold for $4.1M, new owners plan hotel renovations
FARGO — While one North Dakota Ramada hotel prepares to close permanently, another is beginning a new chapter under different ownership. The Ramada Hotel in Bismarck, at 1400 E. Interchange Ave., is scheduled to close permanently Nov. 9, the Fargo location’s staff confirmed to The Forum. The Bismarck building is also expected to be demolished. In Fargo, the Ramada Hotel at 3333 13th Ave. S. announced Wednesday, Nov. 4, that Ramada Fargo is officially under new ownership.
Lotus Blossom Asian grocery has closed in Fargo
FARGO — Lotus Blossom Ethnic Asian grocery store, 2750 Main Ave., has closed. A sign on the door directs customers to Seema Middle Eastern Market at 855 45th St. S., Suite C, the strip mall also home to Passage to India. A Seema employee, who identified himself as the owner but declined to give his full name, said Lotus Blossom may reopen in the Main Avenue location or somewhere nearby at a later date.
North Dakota’s first The North Face store to open Friday at West Acres
FARGO — West Acres Shopping Center is set to welcome North Dakota's very first The North Face store, officially opening its doors at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 6. The opening announcement was shared via West Acres' social media accounts Wednesday, Nov. 4. Founded in San Francisco in 1966, the American brand now operates more than 1,200 stores worldwide, offering outerwear, hiking gear and footwear for men, women and children.
Downtown Fargo sandwich shop and store closing temporarily
FARGO — Little Bodega is temporarily closing its downtown Fargo storefront. After its Friday, Oct. 30 operations, the downtown bodega offering groceries and sandwiches closed its doors for an extended time. Owner Julie Walsh says it's time to restructure. “I’m not going to put a time on it because I don’t know how long it will take,” Walsh told The Forum. “We’re hoping like January.” Little Bodega shop owner Julie Walsh prepares food for a customer on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2026, in Fargo.
Revival Coffee has revived, bringing cozy vibes and familiar favorites back to downtown Fargo
FARGO — Revival Coffee has revived. After less than a year closed, Revival Specialty Coffee Bar has reopened in a new downtown location, bringing back fan-favorite drinks and introducing a new food menu. Last fall, the coffee shop closed its doors at First Avenue Market, but owner Hannah Blazinski Cuhel hinted that it might not be the end for Revival. “I didn’t really plan on closing when it happened,” Blazinski Cuhel said.
Kwik Trip buys former Alerus Financial building in West Fargo
WEST FARGO — A former bank property in West Fargo could soon make way for a new convenience store and gas station. Kwik Trip Inc. is taking steps towards redeveloping the former Alerus Financial property at 901 13th Ave. E., alongside 990 14th Ave. E., according to documents submitted to the city of West Fargo. The Wisconsin-based convenience store chain has applied to combine the two West Fargo lots into one property for future development. According to a city staff report from the Oct.
Where are they now? Kristi Huber finds a new way to connect, lead and give back
FARGO — Job titles have changed for Kristi Huber over the years, but one thing has remained constant: her desire to bring people together. Whether connecting volunteers with community causes, encouraging young women to pursue leadership or helping executives find their footing, Huber has long considered herself a connector — a personality she doesn't leave at her office. Huber and her husband, Gregg, recently checked off a bucket-list goal: visiting all 32 National Hockey League arenas.
BEE's Thai Fusion receives $1,000 grant to brighten Moorhead restaurant, create job opportunities
MOORHEAD — With her final food truck event of October, and possibly the season, under her belt, Bee Trela is ready to shift her focus from food truck to her new dining space. Earlier this fall, BEE’s, a Fargo-based food truck serving Thai and fusion cuisine, started serving food across the river. After taking over the Moorhead Billiards kitchen for prep work, which brought in orders from billiard players, BEE’s found a new opportunity with the dining hall.
The LEGO Store and Hammer Made coming to West Acres
FARGO — Brick by brick, store by store, West Acres is on a hot streak of adding new stores and big brands for Fargo mall-goers to enjoy. West Acres announced Thursday, Oct. 15, that The LEGO Store is coming to the mall. The state is home to LEGO resale stores, but the mall will contain the first official North Dakota LEGO-branded store. “We are thrilled to announce that The LEGO® Store will be joining West Acres in mid-2027!” West Acres Director of Marketing and Experience, Maija Davis, said.
Fargo-area transportation nonprofit for seniors, people with disabilities is ending operations after 51 years
FARGO — For 51 years, Handi-Wheels Transportation has put in the miles supporting the elderly and individuals with disabilities. The local organization has provided reliable transportation, helping those individuals maintain independence and stay connected with their community. After five decades of supporting riders and their families, Handi-Wheels has announced its plans to conclude operations and retire its paratransit fleet later this month.
Lawsuit against Taste of Philly alleging overtime and discrimination dismissed
FARGO — A lawsuit filed by a former Taste of Philly employee alleging unpaid overtime, racial discrimination and retaliation has been dismissed with prejudice, according to Cass County District Court records. Judge Reid Brady entered an order dismissing the case on Sept. 9, following a stipulation of dismissal with prejudice filed by the parties the day before.
Turning leftovers into lunch: Fargo businesses tap into food waste app
FARGO — A sandwich that doesn't sell, a pizza that wasn't picked up or a prepared meal nearing the end of its selling window all have something in common: They don't necessarily have to end up in the trash. Through the Too Good To Go app, businesses can list surplus food as discounted “surprise bags,” allowing customers to purchase food that otherwise might go unsold and wasted. Circle K has multiple participating locations across Fargo, West Fargo and Moorhead taking part.
Building permit issued for West Fargo convenience store and car wash
WEST FARGO — The city of West Fargo has issued a building permit for a new Petro Serve convenience store and car wash. Construction has started at 2125 Sheyenne Street, where the former Lileks Oil Company is in the process of being torn down. Construction equipment is seen on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, at 2125 Sheyenne St. in West Fargo. CW Builders LLC is the contractor for the project, which is valued at $5 million for the convenience store with pumps and $1.3 million for the car wash.
Black Coffee and Waffle Bar opening new Moorhead location
MOORHEAD — Black Coffee and Waffle Bar is heading across the river, back into its home state, opening a location in the former Twenty Below space. Black Coffee and Waffle Bar announced the new location on its Fargo Facebook page Friday, Oct. 2. “We’ve got some news…. We’re heading across the river for a new location!” the Facebook post said.
From farm to fall destination: Amazing Acres enters its second season
ARGUSVILLE, N.D. — Like Hello Kitty, who measures herself in apples— five apples tall— have you ever wondered how many pumpkins tall you are? Or whether you could pull a tractor, win a duck race, or find your way through a corn maze? At Amazing Acres, those questions are part of a day on the farm.
Opening date announced for new Chick-Fil-A in Fargo
FARGO — The Fargo area is about to “eat mor chikin” as the new Chick-fil-A restaurant counts down the days until opening, encouraging folks to come dressed in cow spots on opening day. The new Chick-fil-A location at 2301 55th Street South, off Veterans and 23rd Avenue, will open Thursday, Oct. 8, at 6:30 a.m. The first Fargo stand-alone location opened in 2018, and another location opened inside North Dakota State University’s Memorial Union in 2024.
From farm to fall destination: Amazing Acres enters its second season
ARGUSVILLE, N.D. — Like Hello Kitty, who measures herself in apples— five apples tall— have you ever wondered how many pumpkins tall you are? Or whether you could pull a tractor, win a duck race, or find your way through a corn maze? At Amazing Acres, those questions are part of a day on the farm.
Starbucks closing 250 locations, two in North Dakota
FARGO — One Fargo Starbucks and another in Grand Forks appear to be among the 250 Starbucks locations the company has announced will soon close. While Starbucks has not publicly shared a store closings list, the company's cafe locator feature at Starbucks.com indicated Fargo’s 2377 S. University Drive location and the Grand Forks 4641 S. Washington St. location are closed following operations Saturday, Sept. 26. A sign on the University Drive location Friday afternoon, Sept. 25, confirmed the news.
Three downtown Fargo businesses opening soon
FARGO — Earlier this year, downtown Fargo lost two decade-old coffee shops. Twenty Below Coffee, which opened in 2014, closed both its Moorhead and Fargo locations at the start of July. Only roughly a week later, Youngblood Coffee followed suit, closing its sole location after 10 years in downtown Fargo. Now, those downtown spots are preparing to welcome new tenants — one bringing Asian cuisine and another bringing back espresso machines.
Starbucks closing 250 locations, two in North Dakota
FARGO — One Fargo Starbucks and another in Grand Forks appear to be among the 250 Starbucks locations the company has announced will soon close. While Starbucks has not publicly shared a store closings list, the company's cafe locator feature at Starbucks.com indicated Fargo’s 2377 S. University Drive location and the Grand Forks 4641 S. Washington St. location are closed following operations Saturday, Sept. 26. A sign on the University Drive location Friday afternoon, Sept. 26, confirmed the news.
Cannabis dispensary to open in former 99 Bottles location in Moorhead
MOORHEAD — When 924 Main Ave once housed 99 Bottles, the location offered hemp-derived THC beverages alongside craft beer, spirits and wine. Soon the location will focus full time on cannabis products when Happy Daze World cannabis dispensary takes its place. “We’re cannabis industry veterans who got tired of boring corporate culture,” Happy Daze World website says.
Downtown Fargo convenience store for sale
FARGO — Having helped make downtown Fargo a bit more convenient for visitors and residents over the last seven years, owners of Daily’s Market have announced the bodega-style convenience store is now for sale. Than and Charlotte Young made the announcement via press release Monday, Sept. 21, stating that the store at 216 Broadway will remain open through the end of the year while they look for a buyer.
Mystic Moth expands into neighboring downtown Fargo storefront
FARGO — Mystic Moth owner Crystal Coster Larson has once again decided to spread her wings and expand. Larson tripled her store's size two years ago when she moved from The Lights complex in West Fargo to 608 Main Avenue. That "go bigger or go home" attitude was at play once again when she was recently given the opportunity to take over the neighboring storefront once home to Discontent in downtown Fargo.
Jazzy and Mumbo's Animal Aid Thrift store closing for good
MOORHEAD — Last year, when Wendy Cowan was surprised to find out her lease in the EasTen shopping had a year left, it didn’t stop her from keeping the animal aid-focused thrift store up and running. What did pause, unfortunately, was her mission to help pets and pet families, as the price of rent kept increasing and donating funds to community families was deemed impossible. After announcing her final day of business will be Oct.
Black Coffee and Waffle Bar facing $290K lawsuit for failure to pay rent
FARGO — A lawsuit recently filed in Cass County District Court alleges the operator of Black Coffee and Waffle Bar in downtown Fargo is past due on rent and common-area maintenance charges totaling more than $126,000. On Aug. 11, DFI BE LLC filed the suit against Brad Cimaglio and Black Coffee and Waffle Bar. Cimaglio, a St. Paul, resident, operates the business at 550 2nd Ave. N. in Fargo.
Former TJ's Booze & Bistro near Detroit Lakes finds new fans as the Zoo on 22
DETROIT LAKES — With renovation comes new light— and at Zoo on 22, that means sunlight and a wide-open view of Lake Eunice now fill the longtime lakeside bar and restaurant. With an open garage-door concept, an extended interior wrapped in timber, wood-lined walls, and fresh bar counters, the business formerly known as TJ’s Booze and Bistro now looks out toward the lake. “You had to see the bar before, like half this size.
Former TJ's Booze & Bistro near Detroit Lakes finds new fans as the Zoo on 22
DETROIT LAKES — With renovation comes new light— and at Zoo on 22, that means sunlight and a wide-open view of Lake Eunice now fill the longtime lakeside bar and restaurant. With an open garage-door concept, an extended interior wrapped in timber, wood-lined walls, and fresh bar counters, the business formerly known as TJ’s Booze and Bistro now looks out toward the lake. “You had to see the bar before, like half this size.
Dilworth Pizza Ranch closes its doors for good
DILWORTH — The Pizza Ranch at 1504 Center Ave. W. in Dilworth has permanently closed. The closure was announced in a Facebook post Tuesday, Sept. 8. According to the announcement, the goal is “to relocate to another location as soon as possible.” The post did not say whether the restaurant hopes to stay in Dilworth or move to a neighboring city.
From wheels to walls: BEE’s Thai and Fusion Cuisine opens in Moorhead
MOORHEAD — For years, BEE’s Thai and Fusion Cuisine operated from a kitchen on wheels. The food truck carried Bee Trela and her family miles from community events to serving regulars along Broadway. Now, BEE’s has a place in Moorhead to call home. BEE’s Thai and Fusion Cuisine is preparing to open its dining space inside Moorhead Billiards, having put in new flooring, red booths and tables and peeled off the dark advertising film from the windows — shining light on the Billiards dining room.
Nepali food front and center at new Mount Everest Kitchen in Fargo
FARGO — When Diwash Shrestha learned that Himalayan Yak was closing and wouldn’t be moving back to its 25th Street Market location, he saw an opportunity. For Shrestha, the space was more than a vacant restaurant. It was a chance to bring a new, more Nepali-focused restaurant to Fargo. Mount Everest Kitchen officially opened Aug. 24 at the former Himalayan Yak Location, 1401 25th St. S., with a menu Shrestha designed to put Nepali food front and center.
7 Brew opening in Fargo Aug. 31
FARGO — On Monday, Aug. 31, a 7 Brew location will open at 2900 52nd Ave. After visiting a handful of businesses last week to deliver free drinks for training and promotion, 7 Brew announced the official opening date for the first Fargo location. The 52nd Avenue location is one of two stands slated to open in Fargo, with another permitted for 2301 45th St. S. The first West Fargo 7 Brew opened June 22 in the former Hardees at 1450 13th Ave. E.
Cottonwood Cider House near Ayr, N.D., adds new restaurant called The Other House
AYR, N.D. — When Stacy Nelson-Heising and her husband, Dan Heising, started their orchard in the tiny town of Ayr, North Dakota, they thought an apple a day would keep the cooking away. Now, it’s Stacy’s cooking, paired with their menu of ciders, that brings cider-lovers and folks from across the Midwest to visit the small town and the couple's farmland — Cottonwood Cider House and Orchard.
Opening date announced for Sierra store in Fargo
FARGO — Bringing outside gear inside T.J. Maxx Plaza, Sierra is officially coming to Fargo. As part of the TJX family of brands — T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods and Homesense — Sierra will be opening in Fargo Saturday, Sept. 12, at 4340 13th Ave. S. Suite 101.
Fargo streetlights feature new artwork for the 2026 Streetlight Gallery
FARGO —Streetlights throughout downtown Fargo are showcasing new artwork. Thirty artworks by 23 students from the North Dakota State University School of Design, Art and Architecture are being featured in the 2026 Street Light Gallery in downtown Fargo. The pieces were selected from the 2026 Annual Student Juried Show at the Memorial Union Gallery.
Anand Indian Cuisine opens near West Acres
FARGO — As preparations for a grand opening were underway, a strong wave of spices filled the air outside the former Himalayan Yak on 38th Street — this time, however, from a new independent and family-owned Indian restaurant. Inside Anand Indian Cuisine (UH-nuhnd), co-owner Simi Kaur and her family were busy preparing naan dough, purees and gravies, seasoning proteins and making kulfi, a traditional Indian ice cream.
Babb’s Coffee now steaming things up in the historic Ford Building
FARGO — Babb’s Coffee House has a new home. For years, owner Shawn Gibree pictured the old Ford Building at 505 Broadway as a possible home for the Seattle-style coffee shop. Monday, Aug.17, that vision became a reality. “I think it's gorgeous in here. I think once I get a feel for how the building is, I think it'll be pretty good,” Gibree said. Babb's Coffee House is open inside of the historic Ford building on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, in downtown Fargo.
The OG Orange Julius is a century old
FARGO — Orange you glad to still see it around? For generations of mallgoers, Orange Julius has been a taste of the mall. This year marks 100 years of the frothy drink — including nearly five decades at West Acres. And while nothing rhymes with orange, the brand has had plenty of rhythm throughout the years. Orange Julius/Just Juice location is shown in 1998. While you might know it for its “frothy goodness,” the juice and smoothie shop started out as just a plain orange juice stand.
Buzz Coffee is brewing something new in Dilworth
DILWORTH, MINN. — A longtime drive-thru location in downtown Dilworth is getting new life as a Nordic-Asian fusion coffee shop. Buzz Coffee opened its drive-thru at 4 Center Ave. W., off Highway 10, on July 4 for a sneak peek of its menu before officially beginning a soft opening July 10. The coffee shop combines Vietnamese espresso and Japanese matcha with flavors such as toasted marshmallow, ube, cookie butter and honey.
The North Face will be the new face of former Eddie Bauer space
FARGO — The North Face, a men's, women's and kids' outdoor clothing and gear company, is coming to the West Acres Shopping Center. Founded in San Francisco in 1966, The North Face will open in the former Eddie Bauer storefront at West Acres in this fall. “We’re thrilled to welcome The North Face to West Acres,” said Alissa Adams, chief operating officer of West Acres.
Spirit Halloween opens Fargo location
Fargo — Is it spooky season already? Some may have just celebrated “Summerween,” the trend of celebrating Halloween during the summer, but Spirit Halloween says it’s spooky time already – opening almost a month sooner than last year. Spirit Halloween opened their seasonal Fargo pop-up location at 4340 13th Ave. S. Aug 1. This is the second year Spirit Halloween has opened in the former Party City location, but this year’s came nearly a month earlier than last year when it opened Aug. 30.
Learn about 30 businesses that have opened here in 2026
FARGO — After taking a look at the businesses we've said goodbye to so far this year, here's a look at the businesses we have welcomed to the metro in 2026. This list is curated from openings covered by The Forum. It's not all-inclusive, but it does include some restaurants, stores and shops worth your time.
After scaling back, Big Deck Barbecue Co. finds a recipe for sustainable success
FARGO — Over the past year, Monday mornings made Zach Willis feel like he’d just finished another football game. After spending weekends making barbecue sauce, the former North Dakota State University offensive lineman would head back to his full-time job sore and exhausted, putting in another 40-hour workweek before doing it all again.
Fargo landscape architects helped Theodore Roosevelt's conservation legacy take root
FARGO — Before visitors ever step inside the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, they’ve already entered the design of the prominent museum. From the winding boardwalk and sweeping prairie views to native vegetation, towering Badlands boulders and a 2.5-acre sloped living roof, the landscape itself was designed to immerse visitors in the rugged terrain that shaped Roosevelt’s conservation legacy.
CRAVE permanently closes Fargo restaurant at West Acres
FARGO — The Twin Cities-based restaurant chain CRAVE American Kitchen & Sushi Bar has permanently closed its sole Fargo location at West Acres. The closure was confirmed Monday, July 27, by West Acres Chief Operating Officer Alissa Adams. “While it can be disappointing when a business closes, our thoughts are with the local employees affected, and we appreciate the years CRAVE served our guests and community,” Adams said in a statement.
Pivot Nutrition brings Central Perk vibes to Roberts Alley
FARGO — Whether you're craving a fruity pick-me-up, a protein shake or simply a place to unwind, Nicole Olson hopes her new "Friends"-themed nutrition shop will be there for you. Inside Roberts Alley, Olson’s newly opened Pivot Nutrition looks less like a typical nutrition shop and more like Central Perk.
30-plus business closures this year have reshaped Fargo-Moorhead
FARGO — More than halfway through 2026, the Fargo-Moorhead area has already seen more than 30 business closures, ranging from longtime neighborhood staples to newer restaurants, coffee shops and retailers. Some storefronts remain vacant, while others have already welcomed new tenants. Here's a look back at the 2026 Forum-covered business closures so far and what's happened to those spaces since.
Dunkin' opens inside south Fargo Walmart
FARGO — Sip sip hooray, customers here can finally “run on Dunkin’” as North Dakota's first location is now open inside a south Fargo Walmart. The 2,144-square-foot space at 3757 55th Ave. S officially opened at 7 a.m. Friday, July 17. Until now, North Dakotans had to drive to Bemidji or Baxter, Minn., to get their fix of Dunkin’ iced coffees and signature drinks — but they will still have to make the drive for breakfast sandwiches and other food options.
Youngblood Coffee Roasters appears to have closed in downtown Fargo
FARGO — Youngblood Coffee Roasters, located at 623 2nd Ave. N in downtown Fargo, appears to have closed abruptly this week. As of Tuesday morning, the storefront has been emptied of equipment, exterior signage removed, its social media accounts deleted and the website is no longer active. The only thing left inside the marble-floored coffee shop is some furniture and large houseplants — left standing to soak in the sunlight from the storefront’s big windows.
More than just a splatter room, Creative Minds, 'rage room with paint,' turns emotions into artwork
WEST FARGO — As Bob Ross once said, “There are no mistakes, only happy accidents”, which especially comes true when it comes to a rage room full of paint.
West Fargo candle company founded after loss receives boost from commerce department
WEST FARGO — The scent of mango coconut hangs in the air as two pots of orange-red wax melt — one measured and stirred to fill a batch of wax melt cubes, while the other is prepped to fill half a dozen candles. Jamie Raygo-Jorgensen closely watches a rising thermometer for one pot, while on her right, her wife, Aundrea Raygo-Jorgensen, stirs the other batch, double-checking measurements written in a recipe book that has been curated over the last three years. Every ingredient is weighed in grams.
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