&DINING DRINKING

Best Fries Best Frozen Treat Best Food Truck

LUPE’S TASTY TACOS

Location: Fargo, Moorhead

What sets you apart from your competition?

“We feel what sets us apart is the experience people get when they come to our truck,” said Erica Vega, who helps work and run the truck. “The whole concept of a food truck is fun already as it’s not a traditional sit-down restaurant. That, accompanied with our great food, flavor and fun personality our staff has.”

How do you feel about your win? What did you think when you first heard you’d won?

“It was super exciting from where we came from,” said Jesse Vega, owner of the truck, who called the experience sort of a rags-to-riches ordeal. “Not that we’re rich, but we started out in a homemade tent with two-by-fours, borrowed equipment and borrowed money for change. But over the past few years, the business has really transformed, so it’s been very uplifting.” honorable mentions

SECOND PLACE: TACO BROS

THIRD PLACE: PICO

FOURTH PLACE: FARGO FILLIES

FIFTH PLACE: DIAMOND DAISY

Grand Junction Grilled Subs

DAIRY QUEEN (TREAT)

Location: Fargo, Moorhead Location: Fargo, Moorhead

What do you think of the win?

“Thanks for the award! It’s always nice to see people enjoying our food. It feels very rewarding knowing that all of the hard work we put into it is appreciated by so many,” North Fargo Store Owner John Lester said.

What sets your fries apart?

“First, we cut our potatoes in house so they are never frozen. The fries you eat when you come in were most likely a potato less than eight hours before,” Lester said. “Most fries nowadays ... are cut super thin to hide that they lack a specific flavor and are just a scoop for condiments. Our fries being cut thick allow you to taste the substance of the potato.” honorable mentions

Anything else we should know?

“A big thing to point out is that all of the Grand Junctions are locally owned and operated. So, if you ever want to help out a local business, come on in and get yourself a bite to eat,” he said.

SECOND PLACE: JL BEERS

THIRD PLACE: MCDONALD’S

FOURTH PLACE: FIVE GUYS

FIFTH PLACE: COWBOY JACKS honorable mentions

What do you think makes DQ a favorite place in the community to get frozen treats?

“We all have some great memories of coming to DQ with family and friends,” Chief Operations Officer Camille Etter said. “So many people remember their first visit to a DQ and everybody in Fargo-Moorhead has a favorite go to treat and their favorite DQ in the Fargo-Moorhead area to visit. Whether it is celebrating a birthday with a DQ Cake, or just getting your favorite blizzard in the drive thru for a pick-me-up halfway through the day, Dairy Queen always is a way to celebrate, or just to make the day that much better!

What is DQ’s most popular treat?

“The blizzard is the most popular treat with Oreo, Cookie Dough, and Reeses rounding out the top flavors,” Etter said.

SECOND PLACE: THE SILVER

LINING CREAMERY

THIRD PLACE: SCOOP N DOUGH CANDY CO

FOURTH PLACE: THE FREEZ

FIFTH PLACE: COLD STONE CREAMERY