Fargo Monthly February 2024 by Spotlight Media

e v i D s r ba

FEBRUARY 2024

COMPLIMENTARY

ERY

D DEALS,

RIN

AUCH B E D & KS,

TABLEOFCONTENTS

FARGO MONTHLY // FEBRUARY 2024

COVER STORY

14 DIVE BARS 14 A Tale of Beers, Cheers, & Small-Town Atmospheres 16 Rick's Bar 20 Mick's Office 24 O'Kelly's Bar 28 The Zone Bar 32 Slammers Sports Bar

36 Meet the Maker: Collided Dreams

38 Agricultural Titan Ron Offutt 46 Strip Mall Adventures: 25th Street Market 50 Wine of the Month: Rolling Forks Vineyards

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Volume 14 / Issue 02

February 2024

Fargo Monthly Magazine is published 12 times a year and is free. Copies are available at more than 500 Fargo-Moorhead locations and digitally at fargomonthly.com.

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FROMTHEEDITOR

EXPECTATIONLESS

EXISTENCE I am thrilled to share February's issue of Fargo Monthly, our first-person perspective, rating, and reaction to the local dives of the Fargo-Moorhead area—our tour de dive if you will. We've spent the last few weeks exploring different dive bars across the metro, hunting for drink specials, competing over pool tables, speaking with regulars, and searching for the ultimate burger. With a budget of $400, we were able to have a great time at five different dive bars while only spending about $319.50 (tip included). That total included food, drink (which was always more than affordable), and rounds of pool and darts. Between the cheap drinks and affordable food, we were able to chat with those who call each dive bar their home away from home, we met long-time staffers at the establishments, and we were able to immerse ourselves into the environment of each dive. And, while there are more specific ratings on each bar, as well as some history and fun facts about each spot later in the magazine, I wanted to share my personal conclusion of our tour through the local dives. Firstly, I did expect a lot of what we saw, like the worn-in bar rails, the consistent hum of old rock music, the walls covered floor to ceiling with everything—but I also

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found a lot that I didn't expect. I did not expect everything to be so cheap (in this economy!?), I did not expect to enjoy the food as much as I did (I've eaten more cheeseburgers in the last month than I have in the last year), and I did not expect to have as much fun as I did. Whether it was laughing at the randomness of the stuff on the walls, trying something new off the menu, chatting with the owner or regulars, or absolutely kicking butt at the pool table (most of the time), it was just fun. When picturing a dive bar, you might imagine a dingy, unwelcoming place, but for the majority of this excursion, I never felt that. Of course, when you pull a camera out in a bar, you'll get some looks, but I never felt like I didn't belong. I think that's the biggest pull dive bars have—they're comfortable. It doesn't matter who you are, what you do for work, or what you're wearing, as Sarah Ward said in a BinWise blog post about dive bars, "It's an easy space to exist in with no expectations." The idea of existing with no expectations is one that I have approached, I admit, with a negative view in the past. Without expectations, how would I ever achieve anything? How would I measure my success, my wins or losses; without

measuring, how can I truly know that I have done much of anything in this life? Dramatics aside, in the past, I really have relied on expectations as a means of motivation, and I won't knock it too much—it's worked out for me at some points, but it's also tiring. There is a freedom in ridding myself of expectations and a challenge with still finding motivation without the weight of those expectations. In a smaller sense, ridding my expectations of these dive bars, both in what I expected from them and what I expected from myself while there, allowed me to simply enjoy them; and in a larger sense, I think that mindset can be applied to a lot more than just happy hour locations. I encourage you to approach something this month in that mindset of existing with no expectations, feel the freedom that comes with it, and see if it works for you—if not, try something else, that's the beauty of the conscious choice. Until next time, Happy Reading!

Geneva Nodland Editor

By Geneva Nodland

Meet Dave and Brenda Helland—two Fargo locals who love exploring the less traveled. For the past three years, the couple, along with another set of friends, Terri and Gary Pattison, have traveled the FM area, up and out in all directions to the rural towns, through lakes country, and beyond to find the best dive bars. In a delightful twist on local tourism, a Fargo couple has transformed their fondness for dive bars into an extraordinary adventure. Their journey, has become an exploration of the region's small-town culture, one bar at a time. The idea sparked unexpectedly three years ago. "We happened to be around Fergus Falls or somewhere," Dave said, "and we were coming back with the Pattisons. We stopped in Earhart and thought we would eat at this old train depot. From there we thought, 'Hey, this would be cool, we should do a dive bar tour and pick places like this.'" The dive bar adventurers—Gary & Terri Pattison (left) and Dave & Brenda Helland (right)!

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Armed with a spirit of adventure and a love for a good 'ole burger and beer, they began marking dive bars within a 40-mile radius of Fargo on a homemade map. Their approach wasn't just about enjoying

r" Their "dive bades lu c criteria In e: things lik

a drink—it involved a personalized rating system. Armed with their 'dive bar report card,' they grade each bar on several factors.

e aling from th "Bar too appe " outside? ?" "Beer specials " on the walls? "Enough crap ? bs ta ll pu "Popcorn or & more!

"There were different grading points that we would give the place," Brenda said. "[Like] if they had popcorn, if they had neon lights, cold beer, was it clean or a real 'dive,' and it was fun." On a particular visit to a bar in Abercrombie, the couple noticed that the bartender knew everyone by name, and newcomers were welcomed with the same enthusiasm, not without some curiosity-driven 'who are yous,' of course. Whether it was sharing stories with locals or just observing the evening unfold however it did, each bar visit became a way to peek into the small town's story and charm.

The homem and annotaatde map made and Brenda! ed by Dave

They remember a bar in Buffalo that made them feel like they were in an old Western, with the booth partitions rising well above their heads, Brenda said she felt like she was in an old saloon. The map they carried evolved into much more than a guide; it became a snapshot of their adventure. Each dot and scribble represented not just a location but a narrative and a memory. Pointing to a cluster of markers, Brenda and Dave reminisced about the best burgers, the craziest encounters, and much more, making the map more of a diary than just a chart. The map, speckled with notes, stands as a display of their dive bar adventures, with what they describe as plain "fun," found in the most unassuming places. We chatted about how these bars often serve as the social hubs of their towns, where news is shared, friendships are

forged, and the day’s worries are eased away with a cold drink surrounded by (mostly) familiar faces. While they don't always utilize the report card at each bar anymore, they still update their map. "We could get a little better on the report card," Dave said. "But, truthfully, there wasn't much to report on other than that it was really was good everywhere we went for the most part."

We were inspired by the Hellands and Pattisons and decided to take our own tour through the FargoMoorhead dive bars. Using a similar "report card," we visited a handful of the local dives, noting everything from the popcorn, the pull tabs, and even the pop art on the walls to get a taste and feel of yet another layer of the Fargo area. Join us as we tour through the area's dive bars!

By Geneva Nodland

JOSIAH KOPP

Rick's Bar i If you're at all familiar with the area, you've probably seen "the boot" on Main Avenue—and by boot, I mean the iconic Rick's Bar. It's been known as a rock music joint, a biker bar, the home of great food, and even just the local dive bar; regardless, Rick's is one of the original dives of the FM area that has stood the test of time—without hardly changing a thing.

Rick himself bought the bar in 1979, and before Rick's, the building was known as Lauries (unsure of the spelling), a cowboy-themed bar. After deciding "cowboy" might be out, Rick branded the bar as a rock place, although there wasn't that much "branding." Spike, the night manager, started at Rick's in 1984, and Renee, the daytime manager, in 1991. For a short time, Rick's became known as a biker bar and that trademark, along with being known for the rock gigs, has followed Rick's throughout the years. But, more so, Rick's is known for just being, Rick's—not much changes, nothing flashy or trendy in the bar, but it has always worked, and still does. Regulars and newcomers are drawn to its unpretentious atmosphere, attention snagged by either the allure of a live band or the deals for drinks and food. Rick's vision was simple yet profound: to create a place that felt like home, a spot where people could come together, share a drink, and enjoy good music.

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facts

Continued >

Many staff members, including Spike, have been with Rick's Bar for over 30 years! Not only that, but Rick said the bar has seen generations of families come through its doors, with children of regulars growing up and becoming patrons themselves. Just about the only evolution to Rick's has been its music. Originally a country bar with a mechanical bull inside, transitioned to hosting live classic rock shows, and now hosting bands and live DJs. Fame has graced the bar rail at Rick's. Celebrities like Megan Mullally, Robin Zander from Cheap Trick, and Janie Lane from Warrant have visited Rick's!

dive bars | Rick's Bar

| 2721 Main Ave, Fargo | 701-232-8356 | ricks-bar.com | /Ricks-Bar

Rick, Renee, and Spike

facts

In the early years of the operation, Rick and his wife (well, mostly his wife he admitted), cooked chili at home and would bring it to the bar to give out to patrons. The popularity of the dish rose so much that he decided to add a small kitchen to the setup. That's how Rick's began serving food at the bar, and every Saturday you can still get a cup of chili for free starting at noon until it's gone! Probably the most unsuspecting yet "this totally makes sense" thing about Rick's is the lunch special. For $9.95, you get a whole plate of the daily special, which rotates daily but is always reminiscent of a classic Midwestern dish. With the taste of homey-comfort food at a more than fair price, the weekday lunch specials are packed with locals—as Rick explained, it's a good, cheap, and quick lunch; since most of the patrons don't have the luxury of a long lunch break, they need something filling, affordable, and that's not going to take an hour and a half to order, eat, and pay for! Every week they post the week's specials on Rick's Facebook and update the dry-erase board inside, but they also have a sheet that they still fax out to those who have requested it—talk about old-school!

While the bar has evolved some, its core philosophy remains the same. Rick believes in sticking to what works, maintaining a sense of familiarity and comfort for its patrons. Rick's Bar, a decades-long journey, looks almost the same as it did when it opened and feels it too.

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Dive Directory Make sure to check out these other local dives!

By Geneva Nodland

Mick's Office

Tucked in Moorhead's downtown, Mick's Office has been a home to many in its six decades of operation. With roots stretching back to the early '60s, this bar has seen its fair share of changes but has always remained a beloved spot for college students, nostalgia chasers, burger lovers, regulars, and newcomers alike. Originally located in front of Moorhead Center Mall, this spot marked the bar's inception and the beginning of its claim as the local hangout. Relocating to its current spot in the early '70s, the bar kept its original sign and even some of its regulars since then! In the late 1990s, the bar expanded from its tight space and then expanded again in the early 2000s to its current size. Despite the changes inside, Mick's Office has retained its core identity as a beloved local dive and burger joint.

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facts

The biggest draw of the week is Mick's Burger Night—which once offered dollar burgers, now offers them at $1.50, this event packs the house with families, regulars, and college students for the thing that Mick's does best! Thursdays bring in the college crowd at Mick's Office, which requires bartenders to keep up with the demand by opening both bars on either side of the building.

Continued >

dive bars | Mick's Office

| 10 8th St S, Moorhead | 218-233-2295 | /micksoffice | @micksoffice

facts

While the weekdays are busy with specials, weekends at Mick's Office are more laid-back, often attracting those who prefer a casual night out, but with still as much fun. Regulars, some of whom have been patrons since the '70s, create that picturesque community bar scene. The place transforms into a community hub during holidays, especially Christmas, birthdays, retirements, and any other celebration. Manager Cam Wheeler joked the bar is known for being one of the top sellers of Miller High Life in the area— thanks to one dedicated patron!

Dive Directory Continued!

Make sure to check out these other local dives!

What might make Mick's Office stand out among the rest of the bars in the area (other than the fantastic burgers) is that the bar is like a time capsule in and of itself. Just about every square inch of the walls is covered in notes, names, dates, and even things we can't publish in the magazine; and the ceiling is no exception. For years, people have been able to purchase a ceiling tile and personalize it, and while there aren't many left, they are currently going for $250. Mick's Office, eclectic charm and all, remains a standard in dive bars in the FM area for all—have we mentioned you should try the burgers?!

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By Geneva Nodland

O'Kelly's Bar and Grill

O The Shhh... Secret Stew, a dish that's stayed on the menu since O'Kelly's beginning, and our personal favorite item we ordered!

On Main Avenue, right off the I-29 exit, O'Kelly's Bar and Grill sits. Like most, it's unassuming from the outside, but being connected to Biltmore Hotel & Suites—O'Kelly's is nothing like your average "hotel bar." This spot has been a local favorite for decades, evolving from a simple bar into a hub that combines good food, great company, and a dash of history. With lots of love in recent years, this "dive bar" is a place where the walls may be new, but the memories inside them aren't! O'Kelly's has been home to various names since its build in 1964. The space first gained acclaim as 'The Whale of a Tail,' the lone seafood restaurant in the FM area at the time. By the 1970s, it had been known as a popular wedding venue. The real transformation occurred in 1985 with the birth of O'Kelly's, conceptualized by three entrepreneurs. Over the years, it shifted from a dining space to adapting to smoking and non-smoking sections. Today's O'Kelly's, while modernized, still portrays the history of its "Irish pub-inspired" roots and serves as a great spot to watch the game, take the family out to eat, or relax during happy hour!

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Continued >

facts

Meet Jeff & Rick, two O'Kelly's 10 a.m. coffee regulars!

A few years ago, the bar underwent a major facelift, ditching the 1980s green tile floors and red lamps for a fresher look—going from a mullet to a modern haircut. With a 100% scratch kitchen, O'Kelly's prides itself on unique and delicious dishes, with items that are staples on the menu, like the age-old stew recipe, and experimentations, like its Friday "Mac-o-theMoments!"

dive bars | O'Kelly's Bar and grill

facts

| 3800 Main Ave, Fargo | 701-277-1880 | okellysonmain.com | /OKellysBarGrill

Saturdays are hot at O'Kelly's—nights are filled with karaoke and kids eat free all day! From blue-collar workers to executives, O'Kelly's regulars are as diverse as its menu—like a melting pot, but with more beer. Rumor has it that a former patron's spirit still mingles around O'Kelly's, possibly spooking the staff but definitely adding to the bar's charm!

O'Kelly's Bar, with its rich history, diverse crowd, and mouth-watering menu, is more than it seems. Whether you're a trivia-loving college student, a karaoke superstar, or just someone craving a good old-fashioned burger with a side of friendly stories, O'Kelly's is a go-to spot. Don't judge this book by its cover; the real story is inside, preferably next to a plate of their famous scratchmade pizza!

Dive Directory

Continued!

Make sure to check out these other local dives!

By Geneva Nodland

The Zone Bar

Over in West Fargo, or maybe we should refer to it as the land of the dive bars, The Zone stands as a staple in the community, even if it's no larger than an average trailer home. With a community steeped in local loyalty and a touch of the unexpected, The Zone has carved out a special place in the hearts of its patrons, new and old.

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facts

Continued > Owner Josh Nelson's journey with The Zone is one of endings leading to new beginnings. After a pandemic-induced job transition, Josh landed at The Zone, with 15 years of bar experience behind him. Beginning as a blackjack dealer at the bar, he found himself slowly easing into the community of the bar; not necessarily out of his hesitancy, but rather letting the loyal crowd get to know him as he got comfortable. This ease into the "Zone Community" eventually led him to more and more opportunities and last year he co-bought the business. Now, he solely owns The Zone and has been working to not only make it the familiar home-awayfrom-home it is but to grow and welcome in newcomers through events and specials!

facts

dive bars | The Zone Bar

The Zone first opened its doors in 2006 and has since become a local fixture. It was originally named The Work Zone Bar, but rebranded to The Zone—although you'll still hear regulars calling it the Work Zone!

| 701 Main Ave E, West Fargo | 701-277-5652 | /thezonebar | @thezonebar

Since Josh's ownership, The Zone doubled its sales in the first year and continues to grow. The Zone is event-driven, hosting everything from wrestling events and drag shows to more unique ones like an adult prom, which turned into a cherished memory for its attendees and is now an eagerly awaited annual event. The bar offers a range of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and more—with hopeful plans to expand the kitchen in the future! While special events take up a lot of the bar's time; weekly events like Trivia, Karaoke, Bingo, and more fill in the gaps and bring in a lot of patron participation— here's the schedule: • Tuesdays, Poker League (New in February!) • Wednesdays, Trivia at (a loose) 7 p.m. • Fridays, Bingo • Saturdays, Karaoke Make sure you follow along on Facebook to keep up with weekly and special events!

The Zone truly is the definition of community—the simple joy of a place where everyone feels welcome. With a team that has an almost 100% retention rate and a regular crowd that has survived management, menu, and even interior changes, the bar boasts a family-like atmosphere. This is shown through fundraisers and events that are not just social occasions but charitable efforts to support and remember their cherished regulars and their families who are in need. This sense of unity and compassion makes The Zone a truly special and endearing dive bar in the FM area.

Dive Directory Continued!

Make sure to check out these other local dives!

Slammers Sports Bar S By Geneva Nodland

Slammers Sports Bar, part of Red River Lanes, is a historic and beloved spot in north Fargo. Like many others, the dive's community is close-knit. They've shared years of memories, drinks, and laughs—some for a few years and some for decades. Slammers is a local legend when it comes to its regulars, low-key events, and, of course, delicious pizza.

It's evident that Slammers has a rich yet somewhat complex past, with some uncertainties about the exact details, we know the building that houses Slammers has been around since the 1950s. At some point, the establishment operated as Pizza King, while we don't know exactly which years held this iconic restaurant, you can see that there's a coupon for the restaurant in a 1981 issue of NDSU's Spectrum student newspaper! Inevitably, about 30 years ago in the 1990s, Slammers Sports Bar officially opened, marking the shift from pizza to pounders... kind of—while the vibes are different, Slammers does offer some delicious handcrafted pizzas!

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facts

Continued >

Slammers Sports Bar has gotten dressed up a few times since its takeover, with the most recent renovation in 2018 and again during the COVID-19 pandemic. These renovations modernized the space but didn't take too much away from the "divey" feeling. An interesting aspect of Slammers is its family ownership. The current owner is part of the family that has been part of Slammers and Red River Lanes since its inception. This family connection translates to its employees and regulars—like they say, they're all like one big family!

dive bars | Slammers Sports Bar

facts

From long-time loyalists to new college-age patrons, Slammers has a diverse group of patrons throughout the week, Bar Manager Ro estimated that there are about 50 or so regulars and a good 20 or so college students, among others, in the bar every week.

| 707 28th Ave N, Fargo | 701-235-1912 | /SlammersFM

While currently limited due to construction on the bowling alley, the bar's menu features in-house made pizzas, chicken cordon bleu balls, and customer favorites like the cajun sausage pizza served around Mardi Gras, a dish that's part of the rotating specialty pizzas. Wednesdays at Slammers are for trivia, starting at 6 p.m. sharp, and bingo attracts crowds every week on Sundays. The bar has a touching connection to its past owner, Charlie Jones, who passed away in an accident in May 2022. He is remembered fondly by staff and regulars alike.

Dive Directory Continued!

Secluded in the northern part of the city, Slammers Sports Bar may appear as just another bar in a bowling alley, but step inside and you might be able to detect a special energy—where a bond between regulars and staff seeps into every corner of the joint, creating a special atmosphere that helps to set Slammers apart from other bars in the area.

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Make sure to check out this other local dive!

Moorhead Vic's Bar & Grill | 1608 Main Ave, Moorhead | 218-236-7714 | /vicslounge83

MAKER MAKER

Collided Dreams

Meet The

By Ashley Morken, Unglued Photos submitted by Ashley Morken

’ve been totally enamored with ice dye process videos so discovering Collided Dreams here in town was crazy exciting! Jennifer Carlson has created a unique spin on this whimsical handcrafted process of ice dying and winter seems like a perfect time for you to get to know about this local maker—although, as you’ll discover below, it’s also a trickier time to be completing these apparel pieces. And now I need to get back on TikTok to experience her TikTok live sales! Tell us a bit about yourself. I was raised here in Fargo. Other than my business, I work as a product manager at a financial institution in town. I don’t have much time for many other hobbies, but I’d say my other hobby would be crystal collecting! I love highquality specimens. My favorite crystals I have are an Epidote and Quartz from Anatolia, Turkey. Describe what type of products you make under Collided Dreams. I started my business solely doing ice tie-dyed apparel. I pride myself on being a size-inclusive brand. For T-shirts, I offer sizes small - 6XL, and for crewnecks and hoodies, I offer sizes small - 5XL. This summer I expanded into making window cling suncatchers, too. Tell us how you got started with your business. Like most people during lockdown in 2020, I was looking for a new hobby to keep me busy…but more importantly, I needed a distraction from the chaos and sadness going on in the world. I have always loved traditional tie dye but one day I

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came across ice tie dye. I was immediately intrigued and I knew I had to take a stab at it. I first tried with cheap dye from the craft store, which didn’t work out well. Instead of giving up, I did even more research and found the professional-grade dyes I needed. I bought those professional-grade dyes immediately and I was hooked. I have never looked back. What is your personal favorite item or piece you've created so far? Oh boy, that’s a hard one since every piece is unique in its own way. Probably the one that I am wearing though, do you see the face!? I have created many shirts that have had faces or animals in them. It’s so cool. What is the most popular item you specifically sell? If I exclude my one item that went viral, my tie-dye t-shirts and hoodies are my best sellers! I take orders on my site, but most of my sales actually come from my live sales on TikTok! In case you’re not familiar with live sales, what I do is go through each piece individually and assign a number to them. If you want the item, you simply type the number in the chat. If you’re the first person on my screen with the correct number—the claim is yours! At the end of the sale, I create invoices for everyone on my website to complete their purchase. You’re able to add designs to them before I ship them, too! I do giveaways during the lives, it’s a good time! Even if you don’t buy anything, I appreciate those who just come and hang out! It’s a fun time, I promise. You went viral on Tik Tok! Tell us about that! Yes! Having a video go viral on TikTok back in July was wild! It was my window cling suncatchers that went viral. Specifically, my glow-in-the-dark stars. I grew up with those plastic glow-in-the-dark stars all over my walls and ceilings… and I wanted to create something that reminded me of those stars, but with my own spin on it. So I created star-shaped sun catchers with a glow-in-the-dark outline on them. So, during the day you’d have rainbows shining through on your walls/floors and at night you’d have your glow-in-the-dark stars. I expected to get a few orders from that video... but I have sold over 600 sets! It exceeded my expectations and I still get orders from that video! What's something people would find surprising about ice dyeing? I’m a little extra so I actually have two things. 1. The most unique thing about ice tie dye is how some of the dyes split during the ice tie dye process. Most dye colors are a

combination of pigments (for example, to make green you can combine blue and yellow) vs. a pure pigment consisting of one color. The different pigments will dissolve at different rates and will create their own flow patterns as they move through the fabric. So many of my green dyes will end up being a mix of green, blue, and some yellow! Some of the most surprising dye colors are earthy tones or greys. 2. The one thing that most people are surprised about is actually the amount of time the entire ice tie dye process takes. During the winter months when it’s colder, it can take up to three days for an item to be completed. The fiber-reactive dyes I use require heat. The lower the temperature, the longer it will take. What is something you've enjoyed the most about doing this handcrafted business? Having an excuse to be creative! I offer mystery tie dye options on my website and TikTok shop. When customers order a mystery it provides me an excuse to try color combinations and techniques. What is the most challenging thing? Juggling my business while working fulltime has been the most challenging thing so far. I question what my business could accomplish and blossom into if I were to step away from my corporate job… but I am just not ready to take that step yet. What is one craft or art medium you haven't really dabbled in yet that you want to try someday? Silk screen printing—it would be a match made in heaven for my apparel! What is a word that best describes you? Passionate! I pour my heart into every aspect of my business, even down to how I package my orders. Any specific plans for 2024 for Collided Dreams you can share with us? Absolutely! I am excited to announce that I am in the process of having some new items created! I will be bringing in Mulberry Silk Pillowcases to dye and having my own hoodies manufactured! Excited is an understatement. Where can people find your work? | CollidedDreams.Com Tiktok Shop | @CollidedDreamsLLC Tiktok for Live Sales | @CollidedDreams I try to do as many Unglued events, as well! Keep an eye out for me.

Agricultura Titan

Ron Offutt

Celebrating a Lifetime of Impact and Innovation

on Offutt, founder of R. D. Offutt Company, is a giant in agriculture. On February 1, he received a Lifetime Impact Award from Emerging Prairie, something he is well deserving of. In 1968, Ron Offutt, at the age of 26, embarked on a journey that would transform him from a modest farmer in Moorhead, MN, into a pioneering entrepreneur in the agricultural sector. While initially working alongside his father and utilizing equipment from a local John Deere dealership, Ron's path took a decisive turn when he ventured into the business world by acquiring a dealership in Casselton, ND. This move marked the beginning of the R.D. Offutt Company, laying the foundation for what would become a vast network of over 86 stores across 12 states. We were lucky enough to sit down with him for a quick interview ahead of the award ceremony.

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submitted by R.D. Offutt Company

Q&A with RON OFFUTT

Q: What was it like growing up on the farm? What do you remember about that? A: When I was growing up, my dad was primarily a potato farmer with only a moderate amount of success. He was always an optimist with pricing and oftentimes in potato production, prices aren't your friend. When I got out of college, I came into a partnership with my father, and we did the same thing that he had been doing. After about three years, we weren't moving the ball very much. I didn't know how much future there was on the farming side. So, I had the opportunity to go into the equipment business and I did. In 1968, I bought a John Deere dealership in Casselton, ND. I was in there for about a year running the day-today operations. After that time, I decided two things. Number one, I wasn't very good at running a store. Number two, I really didn't like running a store. So, I hired a manager to manage the store and I went back to the farm. That's kind of how the whole thing started. What changed our future in potato farming was the time period. That was when quick-serve restaurants were just coming into the picture. McDonald's had just started going nationwide—you had other quick-serve restaurants popping up as well. Those restaurants really grew the french fry business—which gave us a lot of opportunity for very rapid growth.

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At the same time that was happening, a lot of the central sandlands in the state of Minnesota were coming out of the soil bank program. A lot of the farmers who put their land in a soil bank program for 10 years weren't going to go back and farm the land. Those lands aren't very productive unless they're irrigated. It was also a time when center pivot irrigation was just starting to get going. We found out very quickly that if we put water on that sand, it was very good potato production land. That allowed us an opportunity to expand along with the french fry industry. We jumped from 400 acres to 3,000 acres in one year. If we had failed that year, I wouldn't be farming or doing any of this today.

Q: Was that a pretty nerve-wracking time for you back then? A: No, I think I was too young and stupid. It should have been.

Q: When you graduated from Concordia College, was there any consideration of doing anything other than returning to the farm?

Did you know?

R.D. Offutt Farms is recognized as the largest potato farming operation in the United States with farmland spread across multiple states. A: During my senior and junior year in college, I interviewed for jobs. Most of the interviews were with insurance companies. I knew from those interviews that I didn't want to be one of those folks who had to go sit at a desk every day. I wanted to be a farmer and follow in my father's footsteps.

Q: It sounds like you turned over that John Deere dealership to a manager pretty quickly— why do you think you were able to do that? A: I learned very, very shortly after I hired the manager that it's a lot easier to manage a manager than to manage the store yourself. Because when you're managing a manager, you get the benefit of hindsight. You see the mistakes that

CONTINUED

Q&A with RON OFFUTT

he or she has made and you probably would have made the same mistake if you were calling the shots on a day-to-day basis. But when you have hindsight working for you, it sure cleans up that vision. That allowed us to drive a culture of taking care of the customers. I instilled in our team very early that our number one job was to take care of the customer. If you give them satisfaction, they'll come back again.

Q: In your experience, what do you think makes a good manager? A: Natural leadership. A good leader is one who circulates and talks to the people that he works with every day. They talk about things to accomplish during the day and assist in going out and helping everybody do their job a little bit better. There's no such thing as a bad John Deere store. There are John Deere stores that have bad managers. If you get a manager who thinks they're a cut above the rest and who thinks they are there to be served instead of being

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the server, you've got a bad manager. And we've had those in the past. And fortunately, through experience, we've been able to spot them.

Q: What are the biggest challenges you have faced in your career? A: I've always had more ideas than I had money. Money was always an obstacle which caused me initially to do a lot of things in partnership with people. A big backbone of our company has been with partners. They've brought different things to the business whether it was money, talent, ground, worker bees—just different things. It's easy to see a partner that can add to the strength of your organization. Our involvement in the french fry industry has always been a partnership. Idahoan Foods started out as a partnership—now we own 97% of it. I have one partner and a very close friend of mine who I formed a potato-growing partnership with in 1965. We graduated from high school and we're still partners today and still friends.

CONTINUED

Q&A with RON OFFUTT

"We jumped from 400 acres to 3,000 acres in one year. If we had failed that year, I wouldn't be farming or doing any of this today."

Q: So, it seems like you've been able to pick pretty good partnerships over the years.

Q: What do you think your most significant career achievements have been?

A: For the most part, yeah, for the most part. We've had partnerships that didn't work out, but most have. If you treat the other person fair, they treat you fair—that's the way it works.

A: There are a few things that differentiate us. Number one is we have a great amount of diversity in the company. We've got John Deere stores in different climates that serve different types of customers, from North Dakota to Texas to California. That in and of itself lends to a lot of diversity. On top of that, maybe 55% of our stores are construction equipment. So if the whole agriculture picture is having a down year, that doesn't necessarily mean construction is in bad shape. Likewise, when the economy is in a recession, and the construction stores are slow, that doesn't mean agriculture is.

Q: Please tell me if I'm wrong, but it seems like that lack of money may have been a good thing in that it drove you to create those partnerships. A: I don't know whether you can emphatically say that. We enter into partnerships for a variety of reasons, and capital is just one of them. The fact that we didn't have much money gave me a tremendous drive to want to achieve. I wanted to be successful. It gave me that tenacity. If something didn't work, I tried to figure out why it didn't work and went back and tried it again. Or if we were just doing the wrong thing, we analyzed that, recognized that it might be a mistake, and got out as quickly as we could.

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Back during the recession in 2008 and 2009, I remember very distinctly that the ag stores and construction stores in North Dakota and Montana were working really well because of the Bakken. They helped pick up the slack that we incurred in Arizona and Texas. I think the fact that we spend a lot of effort on developing leadership within the company and developing people who we are tremendously proud of and the people who work for us is a differentiator. My daughter Christi was really responsible for developing the culture. When I was getting started, things were different. I knew everybody. When you get so big, you don't know everybody. We really have a sense of camaraderie, respect, innovation, and entrepreneurialism.

The RDO Equipment Co. Moorhead location |

Q: If you had to give a young agriculture entrepreneur some advice, what would you tell them? First off, I'd congratulate them because they're choosing to go into a very good profession. Secondly, I would tell them not to jump in too big. I would tell them to take things just a bit conservative and that time will take care of growth. Rightly or wrongly, one of the things that led to the sudden growth of our company is that I was kind of a deal junkie. And it worked out that as opportunities presented themselves and if I had the money at the time, we jumped on them. That's what spread us out over the western part of the United States. If it takes partnerships to make those things happen, find partnerships.

Q: Do you have any regrets about your career? A: I've jumped into things that I wish I hadn't got into. I really don't have a lot of regrets though. I enjoy what I do. I sit here at 81 years old, and I still enjoy going to work. Don't ask me what I accomplish these days, but I still go to work. I enjoy it.

submitted by R.D. Offutt Company

Q: What do you enjoy about work? A: Probably the social structure. The employees become friends. The customers that we've served for a long time. The whole interpersonal reaction you have with the people you work with.

Q: If you look at the agriculture landscape, where do you see it heading? What do you see? A: I see a tremendous amount of opportunity as the world population continues to grow. The opportunity is going to be in the data and the technology and the value-added products.

Q: Is there anything else you want to say to the readers? A: I would encourage any young person today who is looking and thinking about a career to give all the consideration you can to agriculture. It's exciting, and I think the next 40 years are going to be better than the last 40, and the last 40 hasn't been bad.

Ron Offutt is a bold entrepreneur and a profound influence in agriculture. Offutt's legacy is built on a foundation of hard work, strategic partnerships, and a keen focus on customer satisfaction. His approach to business, blending traditional values with modern strategies, has left a mark on the industry. He is very deserving of his award. 45

By Geneva Nodland In the Fargo-Moorhead area, a unique blend of local culture and community thrives within the variety of strip malls. In this series, we'll adventure through these commercial hubs, discovering the charm and diversity they offer. Often underrated, these strip malls can be vital to local economies and communities; being a space that offers services, shops, and eateries, they reflect the local culture and cater to the needs of residents, often housing family-owned businesses that serve their communities. Our series will highlight a strip mall, detailing the businesses that call these places home while sharing intriguing facts about their operations and histories. From the antique store that has hosted countless local treasures to the family-run diner known for its secret pancake recipe, these stories will showcase the unique character and contributions of the area. Join us as we celebrate—where every storefront has a story and each visit offers a glimpse into the heart of this community!

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Featured Strip Mall:

25th Street Market—Fargo Shopping Center 1450 25th St S, Fargo, ND

Featured Businesses: Caribou Coffee

Caribou Coffee, a popular coffee chain, is known for its quality handcrafted beverages and breakfast items. This cozy location offers amenities like a drive-thru, Wi-Fi, and dine-in and order-ahead options. If you haven't been, the menu features a variety of coffee, lattes, espressos, and signature drinks, along with breakfast sandwiches and baked goods. Part of the many Caribou locations across the Fargo-Moorhead area, the 25th Street Market outlet is a convenient stop for

Caribou coffee lovers. Get caffeinated Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m.-7 p.m., and weekends from 6 a.m.7 p.m.! | locations. cariboucoffee.com/us/ nd/fargo/1450-25thstreet-sw | 701-298-7745

FM Sales & Repairs

FM Sales & Repairs caters to a range of electronic needs! They offer services like the sale and repair of mobile phones and are known for their quality service and fair pricing. FM Sales & Repairs has earned positive customer

feedback for their efficient and helpful service, as well as a wide selection of electronics, including tablets, gaming consoles, and phone accessories. They are also commended for their selection of collectible cards, like Pokemon cards. The store is open Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7, and closed on the weekends— stop by! | 701-318-2774 | /fmsalesandrepairs

The 25th Street Market also hosts a few businesses as part of its Professional Building, including a Country Financial location and a spa! Continued >

Flatland Guitar and Lutherie

Flatland Guitar and Lutherie is a specialized store that deals in guitars, banjos, mandolins, amplifiers, pedals, and various accessories. They are known for being Fargo-Moorhead's exclusive Taylor dealer and repair center. The store offers a range of brands, including Taylor, Brunton, Art & Lutherie, Jackson, Yamaha, and several others. They cater to a wide range of musical needs, from instruments to maintenance and accessories—stop in Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m! | 701-205-362 | /Flatland Guitar and Lutherie

Lakeside Center for Behavioral Change

Lakeside Center for Behavioral Change, P.C. specializes in treating anxiety and related conditions for children, adolescents, and adults. They offer effective treatment in a professional and welcoming environment, from therapists who are trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The center's treatment is structured and collaborative and utilizes state-of-the-art techniques. They address various conditions like OCD, generalized anxiety, phobias, and more. For more information, visit their website at lakesidecenter.org!

Leela Thai Cuisine

Leela Thai Cuisine is a cozy restaurant that brings a taste of Thailand to the local area. The restaurant offers a variety of traditional Thai dishes made from fresh ingredients. Start a meal with Thai iced tea and the popular cream cheese wontons (known as "bags of gold"). Then try favorites like red or green curry, Pad Cashew, and the classic Pad Thai. They also offer desserts like refreshing green tea ice cream. They aim to provide an authentic Thai culinary experience, complete with authentic spice levels if you're looking for heat! They pride themselves on offering vegetarian and vegan options as well. For Thai food lovers and those who just know what they like—Leela Thai is a staple in the FM area! Open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m., as well as all day Sundays from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | leelathaifargo.com | 701-235-5795 | /LeelaThaiCuisine | @leelathaifargo

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Underbrush Gallery, Inc.

Underbrush Art Gallery & Custom Framing in Fargo focuses on fine art and custom framing. Passionate about art, they offer services and assistance for all art or framing needs. The gallery's business hours are Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information or specific inquiries, you can contact them at underbrushgalleryfargo@gmail.com or call 701-235-2228. | underbrushgalleryfargo.com

Vintage Point Gift Shop

Vintage Point Gift Shop is a locallyowned store known for its wide and unique selection of gift items. It features a variety of Pride of Dakota products, made by local makers. At the shop, you'll find a range of products like chocolates, coffee, roasted almonds, salsa, candles, puzzles, stuffed animals, and books—making it a prime spot for those looking to find special, locally-made products. Additionally, their collection of antique items, toys, and "knickknacks" ensure that customers can find gifts for everyone on their list—stop in and see for yourself Monday through Saturday between 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Did you know? Vintage Point is celebrated for its large selection of puzzles and has become a go-to place for puzzle enthusiasts! | /vintagepointfargo | @vintagepoint_fargo

Soho 23

Soho 23, another tasty treat part of the 25th Street Market, offers a comforting blend of Korean and Japanese cuisine led by chef Derek Kinoshita. The restaurant is owned and managed by the experienced Jin Myung, whose history includes capturing the city's palate with Yuki Hana Grill and Sushi at this very spot a decade ago. Soho 23, which opened its doors in mid-October, invites patrons to try dishes like Beef Bulgogi, Loco Moco, and Chicken Katsu, among others, in a setting that feels at home and inviting, making it a must-visit in town! | /Soho 23 | @soho23_official

Wine of the Month.

REVIEW BY ASHLEY SERBUS OF CELLAR 624

Photos by Josiah Kopp

La Crescent Grape Wine

medium-body with bright acidity

ROLLING FORKS VINEYARDS, 2020

Rolling Forks Vineyards' La Cresent is a refreshing white wine made from La Cresent grapes developed in Minnesota in the 1990s. Owners, Melanie and Joseph desired to craft a wine that would showcase the unique terroir, or landscape, of their vineyard in a Germanic dessert-style wine. The result is a versatile and enjoyable white wine that offers a unique combination of fruitiness, lightness, and acidity.

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crisp and refreshing finish

Bright, fruity aroma with top notes of apricot, peach, and citrus

"A PALE, MEDIUM GOLD WINE ON SIGHT WITH BEAUTIFUL AROMAS OF PINEAPPLE, LEMON, AND LIME!" - ASHLEY SERBUS, CELLAR 624

The Review The La Crescent wine from central Minnesota is a semi-sweet wine that is medium bodied with a balanced acidity. On the palate I tasted notes of melon, honey, and citrus. Up front there is a sweet and tart dynamic that you get out of a pink lady or jazz apple, followed by a long finish of peach and honey. This wine would pair well with a smoked cheddar or Havarti cheese. For pairing with dinner, I would suggest something with a bit of spice, or grilled fish and vegetables. The sweetness and acidity of the wine will complement and tame the spiciness of a dish, as well as complement a freshfrom-the-garden dinner.

A Must-Have Book for all Wine Enthusiasts If you are a fan of wine tasting, learning about what you are tasting or want to gain a better understanding of what is in your glass, I highly recommend checking out "Wine Folly," by Madeline Puckette. Wine Folly has been a huge help in

deepening my knowledge and perception of wines. The book is very visual and comprehensive. Order a copy and open it as you enjoy a glass at home. You will soon be able to enjoy your wine on a whole new level!

Cellar 624

| 624 Main Ave

Ste 4B, Fargo, ND

| cellar624.com

Rolling Forks Vineyards | 21505 Selnes Rd

Glenwood, MN 56334

| rollingforksvineyards.com | @rollingforksvineyards | /rollingforksvineyards