Closures in the Fargo-Moorhead service industry have been fast and furious as of late. It’s an unfortunate trend that will hopefully subside.
The closing of Third Drop Coffee, Twenty Below Coffee Co. and Youngblood all in the same timeframe sent shockwaves throughout the coffee-lover community.
Both Third Drop and Twenty Below had locations in Moorhead, which reduced the number of food and beverage-related businesses on that side of the Red River. The community of Moorhead already has a lack of coffee shops and restaurants.
Moorhead is not the only area suffering from losses. The closure of Twenty Below and Youngblood in downtown Fargo created a large void. Downtown Fargo prides itself on specialty coffee shops and unique eateries. It’s a destination in the Upper Midwest. The closures are tough for downtown residents, but they also affect tourism.
Speaking of downtown Fargo, the closing of Nova Eatery & Supper Club is truly an unfortunate circumstance. Owners Nikki Ness Berglund and Chef Ryan Nitschke put a lot of work into that venture in a short amount of time. They’re successful restaurateurs, so this hit hard and was unexpected. It was a fun spot with a unique menu. Unfortunately, it was not a success.
West Acres Mall recently took a punch in the gut with the loss of Crave. Although it’s a regional chain, it was still a part of Fargo’s local food community. Hungry mall patrons still have a vast arsenal of food choices in the Food Court. However, the loss of Crave reduces an option of a full sit-down restaurant with a bar and cocktail menu. Chili’s is still available for those services, though.
Obviously, these closures have a ripple effect. Coffee shops and restaurants help to fuel the local economy and keep many good people employed.
Because of competition, products stay creative and elevated. There is a strong and vibrant food scene in Fargo-Moorhead due to many talented workers and thoughtful leaders. Industry workers often put in 60-hour weeks. It’s tough to see many of these good people lose their jobs. Much respect needs to be given to those folks and many restaurant owners for all the hard work and investment.
Yes, the closures are depressing, but it’s best to have a positive outlook. The point of this column is to review the closings. However, it’s also to encourage locals to support local establishments. This is especially true with some new ones discussed further below. Community support is crucial at this time.
High food and beverage wholesale costs, expensive leases and location are all contributing factors for the food and beverage industry. Restaurants see fewer patrons during early months of the year and during lake season.
Additionally, consumer habits have changed since the dreaded Covid-19 pandemic. Consumers are also spending less because of high fuel prices and increased housing costs.
It’s a tough business, as they say.
However, all is not lost and staying positive is key. For every closure, there’s usually an expansion or opening.
For example, the recent announcement of Spaghetti Western moving to the former Nova location is definitely encouraging. There is a lot of excitement cooking in the downtown community regarding this new venture. Italian food seekers enjoy Spaghetti Western’s authentic eats and European vibe. The opening of the new location is highly anticipated. It will give Spaghetti Western an opportunity to serve more patrons in a larger location. The current location is adequate, but the small space inhibits business growth.
Another recent opening is Umi Sushi & Ramen, adjacent to Leela Thai Cuisine in south Fargo. The owner runs both restaurants and she has a good reputation for colorful restaurant aesthetics and great tasting food. The menu at Umi is creative and the decor is extremely vibrant. It’s a fun new spot with a big city vibe.
Mount Everest Kitchen is another newer establishment in the 25th Street Market in south Fargo. It’s a Nepalese restaurant with similar cuisine to the former Himalayan Yak and Everest Tikka House. Curries and momo dumplings promise to be tasty. There’s a lunch buffet also offered for the all-you-can-eat seekers.
The recent opening of Bruno’s Coffee Company in the former Fargo Brewing Company location is truly exciting. It’s a busy place — and for good reason. The coffee is great and so are the pastries. The owners are experienced in both the baked good and coffee worlds. There is no doubt Bruno’s will continue on a successful path.
Revival Coffee has a new location in the former Youngblood Coffee location in downtown Fargo. (Revival’s former location was along 1st Avenue North in downtown Fargo.) The first location closed in late 2025. There is a literal revival brewing with this coffee shop, and it will definitely be welcomed by the downtown community.
Another recent opening in downtown Fargo is Teddy’s at Cellar 624, in the lower level of the deLendrecie’s Building. It’s a partnership by the former Teddy’s on Broadway folks and Maxwell’s over in West Fargo. It was formerly a classy wine bar and event space. It’s now a fun bistro, featuring elevated plates to share and classic grilled cheese with soup. There is also a specialty cocktail menu offered in addition to wine. The space can still be rented for special events.
More openings and closings have been reported by various local news organizations not included in this column. The list here includes many of the businesses that have received much of the attention or are of personal interest.
Community support for these new and expanding businesses is crucial. As explained, restaurant overhead is high. Business is challenging these days. In order to prevent the closure of favorite local establishments, residents need to invest by supporting local. It’s crucial at this unique economic and political time.
