New restaurants may be coming to 32nd Avenue
According to a tipster, that empty lot in front of the Kohl's development on 32nd Avenue may not be empty for much longer. Over the last few years, there has been lots of talk about what restaurant should or would eventually end up building on this lot. After all, this is one of the last few empty lots on 32nd between I-29 and Columbia Road.
My tipster claims that plans have been filed with the city for a new Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant on this property. The tipster also says that, in addition to the wing restaurant, a Subway restaurant will also be included in the building.
Of course, Buffalo Wild Wings already has a Grand Forks location about half a mile away from this 32nd Avenue location. No word on what would become of that existing location, but I would have to think that it would close after the new restaurant opens up.
So what do you think of this apparent development coming to this particular piece of property? Had you hoped for a different restaurant for this spot? Do we really need a new Buffalo Wild Wings? How about a Subway...after all, their website lists 10 locations in GF/EGF...do we need another? Let me know what you think.
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126 comments:
GFLife:
Just curious. Why are your "scoops" always about new developments, construction, businesses and the like? Do you ever break news on any other types of topics on here? Are you in the commercial development business or close to it?
They're primarily about new developments because, in many ways, discussing new developments in GF tends to be a major focus of this blog. People choose to send me scoops and usually these scoops are about new developments. Of course, I'm more than happy to receive ANY kind of tip or scoop.
So let me get this straight...a subway at the holiday gas station JUST across the street from this location, a subway at the big sioux truckstop a few blocks away, a subway on columbia a half mile away, and finally the subway on south washington a mile away. Someone else chime in. This just seems too stupid/ridiculous to be true.
@ 4:53 -
It's the end of the universe.
I would imagine if each location wasn't profitable they wouldn't exist.
I think that Buffalo Wild Wings is probably one of the most wasteful and un-green establishments I've ever stepped foot in. I've only been there once, but I was shocked that they only use disposable tableware. It's disgusting! Why would they need to waste more resources by opening a new location when the one they are in right now isn't even very old? Right now this country is shifting to a more environmental perspective, which is excellent, but I don't understand why anyone would continue to support such a wasteful restaurant. Until they decide to do things right, count me and my family out.
Oh great another subway...we can never have enough subways......
Anonymous @ 11:49,
Thank you for pointing that out. That spurred me to the decision to go to BWW for supper tonight. Thank you...
Can all those subway stores really be making it? And yet no other sandwich shops come to town and Grand Junction could not make it. I thought they had the best subs around. Must be just me---but I do not get what people see in subway--everything tastes the same.
No other sandwich shops? We have 2 Jimmy John's locations, 2 Quizno's locations, and soon-to-be 2 Pita Pits.
(Although I do agree that Subway is kind of bland and boring, but for what it is, and for the price, you really can't beat it for a fast-food option.)
Too bad that BWW doesn't recycle it's paper wares. It would go a long way towards helping the environment. No water use combined with recycled products. It can be rather green.
Doubt it will happen.
Too bad that BWW doesn't recycle it's paper wares. It would go a long way towards helping the environment. No water use combined with recycled products. It can be rather green.
Doubt it will happen.
I personally don't care for BWW's. Yet, with the very large college aged, sport loving, population we have in this town I can see why they do good as they do. It's simple, have big TV's, wings, and beer and it's basically a easy business plan.
It seems like it's way over priced, the wings are way to small, and the throw away fine china they have is kinda tacky and very wasteful. I will admit the Asian Zing and Honey BBQ flavors are pretty dang good.
Every time I go there or drive by, it seems like it's always packed. I've been to other much larger BWW's and I'm sure they want to expand, but I don't think they can since it looks pretty land locked. So move to a much larger lot on 32nd Ave. with much more 'visibility' and they really can't go wrong.
As far as the Subway, you'd think they would close the Holiday gas station restaurant. Yes, there is Bonzer's and Grand Junction subs and Pita Pit, but our Canadian out of towners want something tried and true and that's what Subway can offer them. It's a well known brand name and cheap, simple as that.
Just look at Dennys. From the moment they moved the first mound of dirt I knew it was going to do good. Look at it from a Canadian's perspective after a long road trip, everyone's hungry, and they see a well known restaurant right off the highway and easy to get to. I've heard rumors that they are making some serious profits there. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.
That's my two cents. Obviously I don't have anything better to do on this Saturday afternoon!
Applebees is great. BWW is good beer, wings, and TV's full of college kids, a real money maker. First time at Denny's last night after the Stock Car Races at River Cities Speedway. Good service, great pancakes, crispy bacon, and good french fries, with skin on. Great meal for 2 under $10. Lots of Canadians and students at Dennys, will take place of Jeannies. greenglass4.
My husband seems to think there are too many restaurants in Grand Forks. I beg to differ. When you can drive my most of them on any night and see the parking lot full, that is not an indication of "too many restaurants".
Here are my ideas for eating establishments for Grand Forks:
Olive Garden
Cracker Barrel
I-Hop or Waffle House
Bob Horton's
KFC
A&W
Chuck E Cheese's
I sure miss:
PLAYERS
TOPPERS
SKIPPERS (they had the best cod and a great all-u-can-eat fish ahd chips option)
NOTE: please don't consider the "ers" as a reason for my missing them LOL
There's tableware at BWW's? I thought it was all finger food... besides, who's to say what's 'green' or not. Paper is renewable and biodegradable, most detergents aren't.
This town is sure saturated with subways... it boggles the mind, and no - I don't think we need another. I'd much prefer one of the aforementioned establishments, adding a long john silvers in there too.
I second the Cracker Barrel!!!
how about erbert and gerberts?..i always try one in fargo-moorhead (2 locations in fargo and 1 in moorhead)..pretty good subs!
BWW is still in the remodeled Ponderosa. I imagine they want something bigger and better like the one on 42nd street in Fargo. When is the last time any of you were in BWW? They do not use plasticware anymore, but have metal knives and forks now. If you don't like it, email the CEO, she's a former UND graduate.
I would think that Subway in that vicinity would mean the one at the gas station would close.
To gf resident:
Do you mean Tim Horton's?
Or Bob Evan's?
Why talk about this "gossip". Lets see some hard evidence that BWW and Subway are opening. Its the same as the Aliens Restaurant. Until they have purchased a piece of land and lined up a franchise owner, don't bother reporting it.
What is behind GF's love affair with franchise restaurants?
What is behind ec99's hatred of all things GF but still sticks around?
Another of the same restaurants? Who came up with that? It would be nice to see alternative selections around here. Hooters would be a better choice.
"What is behind ec99's hatred of all things GF but still sticks around?"
What is behind GFer's characterization of critical observation as hatred?
Most important of all, what is the latest rumor on IHOP. They were suppose to start building this spring on the spot between Arby's and Village Inn on 32nd.
I too wonder how many franchise restaurants we need but this is capitalism. The market settles that.
If you want something else put a couple of million together and build it.
who is 'The Gadfly' in HPR?
Anon at 9:18am
I couldn't agree more. If you think there is a certain need in this town for a particular restaurant, get some money together and open one up.
I sure don't think we need another Subway.
Not a fan of BWW myself, but my 18-year-old son and his friends practically live there, especially during football season.
Sorry -- but I'd love an Olive Garden!
There's a place in the Cities called Noodles and Company that my mom raves about. Or how about a Macaroni Grill?
I'd love to see GF get a Mike Donnelly's.
How about an Arby's or a Dunkin Donuts?
My God who gives a fly eff if BWW isn't green I am sick and tired of of these leftist going hook line and sinker over this false sciene.
False what? Never heard of it.
ec99:
I think people just want a little balance out of you. It's not all bad is it? Nobody will take you seriously, if you're just a stick-in-the-mud curmudgeon all the time. They'll start lumping you with greenglass4.
BWW hasn't used plastic utensils in quite some time. Not sure you should make a comment on a restaurant that you've only visited once.
While it may be busy early, the current BWW slows way down later thanks to the smoking ban. I wonder if they want to build a new place where they could separate the bar from the restaurant to allow smoking. Not sure if that's even possible and it would probably be a waste of time since my prediction is that this legislature or the next will ban smoking in all buildings.
Guess I agree with the earlier poster who said they are probably doing it for more space, more exposure and better parking.
"They'll start lumping you with greenglass4."
If you read my posts, you'll see the difference is I use examples to back up my points. If people wish to discuss the validity of those examples, that's great; that's what discussion is all about Most just simply fall back on ad hominems, which implies they are unable to engage in a give and take.
LOL at an Arby's, we have two of those puke factories.
A Noodles & Co. is a GREAT idea... that place would thrive in this town!
Everyone here loves meat so much, why not a Red Robin. Some of the best burgers I've ever had.
WHITECASTLE- seriously, if one opened up in this college town, it would be the most popular fast food place in the area. It would make a KILLING!
Does anyone have connections to the MPLS Whitecastle? Tell them to open one in GF!
This sucks. Only in Grand Forks could a town this size have two Applebee's and 20 Subways. "Well howdy doo. If the people like one, they'll love two...or 20". I'm not one of these people who is against all franchies, but for God's sake, give us some variety.
Franchises...sorry.
Here's a little geopolitics to interject into the local restaurant scene.
Since SUBWAY uses a New York subway theme on its' restaurant wallpaper why doesn't Buffalo Wild Wings use a WATERGATE theme for wallpaper?
Why? Because the former CEO/founder of BWW is Kenneth Dahlberg of Wayzata Mn. He was the man Bob Woodward called in a famous scene in ALL THE PRESIDENTS MEN. Deepthroat told Woodward to "follow the money" based on the name of a check found in a Florida Nixon campaign account. Dahlberg's name was on the check in Florida. Dahlberg was Nixon's midwest fundraising chairman.
Let's see, BWW could run scenes from the Watergate hearings on plasma screens like in a sports bar.
Obviously whoever owns the local Subways is trying to monopolize the local market to prevent other brands from showing up in the market. How greedy. It's just like Starbucks/McDoalds trying to buy every corner in America to prevent competition.
Who's for joining together and building a new KOHL's and a HOOTERS...in EGF!
I can't believe KOHLs blocked HOOTERS from coming to town...that is just lame...this is a college town...you have to "feed" that crowd and reap the benefits thereof...not a very smart move on Kohls behalf. I might would have done some shopping after dinner but now I will steer clear of them although Kohl's has always been one of my most favorite stores...I'll just save up to go to the ones in Minnesota.
Buffalo Wild Wings was founded in 1982 after James Disbrow and Scott Lowery moved from Buffalo, New York, to Kent, Ohio.
James "Jimmy" Disbrow (July 9, 1948 – October 16, 2002) was a restaurateur and later president of the United States Figure Skating Association from 1998 to 2000.
Great suggestions from one and all...but don't look for the chickensh#t franchise owners in this town to build ANYTHING before Fargo gets it first. That's the sad reality. Even though Grand Forks retail seems to be on the rise while Bennigan's and others have closed in Fargo.
Would Grand Forks residents be willing to come into MN for shopping if there were more available??? Just curious...
Google BWW Kenneth Dahlberg
About Buffalo Wild Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings, Inc., founded in 1982 and headquartered in
Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a growing owner, operator and franchisor of
restaurants featuring a variety of boldly-flavored, made-to-order menu
items including Buffalo-style chicken wings spun in one of 14
signature sauces. Buffalo Wild Wings is an inviting neighborhood
destination with widespread appeal and is the recipient of dozens of
"Best Wings" and "Best Sports Bar" awards from across the country.
There are currently 506 Buffalo Wild Wings locations across 37 states.
For his air action, Dahlberg landed two Purple Hearts, the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Distinguished Service Cross and Distinguished Flying Cross. Still, he shuns the hero tag.
"I consider myself fortunate to be an American who was able to contribute to the human cause," he said.
After the war ended in 1945, he started an electronics business. Three years later, he spent $3,000 to launch the Miracle Ear hearing-aid firm. He sold the company for $139 million in 1993.
A year after the sale, he established Carefree Capital, which invested in such notable firms as his son-in-law's popular Buffalo Wild Wings (NasdaqGS:BWLD - News).
A big believer in free enterprise, Dahlberg loved the exhilaration of being in on the ground floor of ventures. He likened it to flying and shooting down German fighters.
"He approaches business the same way he would a dogfight, with great optimism," Mack said.
For crying out loud, quit whining about too many subways, not enough red robins, white castle, etc. etc.
Like the guy said, put your money where your mouth is, and pony up the money and open one up!
We thank you greatest of the great benevolent franchisees. Forgive us for our trespasses and deliver us unto more Subways - for we deserve nothing more.
Amen
I don't get you Anonymous 12:20,
If I were a franchise owner or one who was looking to invest in one, I would welcome comments from potential customers/guests. Unless you could afford a private polling company to survey the community, what better way to find out what people want? Why would you want to quash the discussion?
Can someone loan me money so I can open up a Whitecastle?
I'd be willing to travel to the east side for anything worthwhile...and definitely look forward to Bemidji outlet mall opening.
There is definetely too many restaurants in GF. The market won't carry them all especially with food costs (insert cliche here).
Grand Forks by all means SHOULD be the best place to stop in North Dakota...for food, shopping and entertainment. It is the pinnacle of the north...the location is straight shot to Canada as well as to the heart of the South...yet it is overshadowed by Bismarck, Minot and Fargo by leaps and bounds. WHY IS THIS??? What is this city scared of?
Overshadowed by Minot? I think not. Somebody's got an inferiority complex.
As for Bismarck: It will always get more money and attention because it's the capital. And Fargo is twice as big. The Grand Forks CVB & business community is doing much better attracting the Canadian market, but I believe it is still largely untapped.
"If you read my posts, you'll see the difference is I use examples to back up my points. If people wish to discuss the validity of those examples, that's great; that's what discussion is all about Most just simply fall back on ad hominems, which implies they are unable to engage in a give and take."
Or they don't think you're worth the time to engage. And that's not an ad hominem. Truth sometimes hurts.
what would happen to this city if food was no longer cheap and abundant?
Folks from Regina drive to Minot to shop similar to Winnipegers traveling to Grand Forks and Fargo. The shopping in Minot is at par with Grand Forks, and they have a Herbergers. With several major oil companies planning on their Williston Basin headquarters in Minot, they town will also grow. It seems to me Grand Forks still has a chip on its shoulder about not being #2 in the state for population anymore....I don't see GF ever having a population more than Bismarck .
If Grand Forks doesn't get over itself and grow up then it will eventually be the ghetto town of the north...there is so much potential here but it takes a little effort on behalf of the residents and business owners... the only effort I've seen here is the effort to block change
Where is the food cheap or abundant?
Everytime I eat out its always been a lot more expensive than eating at home...I'd return to more restaurants if they offered something other than what I could nuke in the microwave or whip up at home. Everyone has to eat...I think if food were more expensive my family would just be a bit more selective in our choices but would still eat out on occasion, about as often as we do now.
I'd LOVE to spend some of my cash at some of those places like on DINERS, DRIVE-INS and DIVES (Foodnetwork) Do we have anything like that here???
What I want to know is why people are so MEAN here? People have their comments and thoughts, and then other people just insult them. They jump on politics and criticize people's desires. Someone lambastes someone else for wanting a green restaurant. (how evil to care about the environment?!?! So what if they are wrong? They still care. (Not that I think they are wrong, btw.)) Is everyone so unhappy at home that they want to be online bullies? Jesus, people. Calm down. Why would anyone want to visit Grand Forks if these are the people that they will meet?
Great comment : anon 9:16 pm July 29, 2008 ? Sums up the previous 63 comments ! I will summaeize 64 previous comments : Hooters in a college town ! Kohls blocked Hooters building ? Lets boycott Kohls ! Loan me money to open White Castle ! Truth sometimes hurt. GF ghetto town of the North ? You are welcome, I just saved you all from reading the 64 posts. greenglass4
I'd interject my 2 cents but now that I finally got my degree I'm moving to Maplewood in a few weeks (so moot point :-)!!!!). I'll still occasionally report back on what restaurants GF should have...
Has there ever been a Drive-In movie theater in GF?
There were 2. One on Gateway Drive across from where The Ho was located. And another one on HiWay 81 South, just south of 32nd about 4 blocks. If I had to guess, I'd say the north end location closed around 1970 and the south end, around 1980.
I like the following places, I dont live in EGF anymore since I am now in the Navy in Biloxi, MS.
But here you go:
Cracker Barrel
Raising Canes
A&W
And these are the ones I miss since leaving:
Mexican Village
Taco Johns
China Garden (worked there for 5 years)
Happy Joes
R/
RedlineCavi
Here are the ones I miss since I left UND in 1992.
BIG SIOUX
JOHN BARLEYCORN
RED PEPPER
PIZZA PATROL
SPEEDWAY
Anon at 12:20pm, July 29 2008
http://yogan.meinungsverstaerker.de/fun/NO_U.jpg
Red Robin isn't taking franchising opportunities anyway. And by not enough, how about not any?
--
Other guy: The Fargo/Moorhead area has 190,000+ people. Why wouldn't it overshadow GF?
We need a jonny carinos in gf not an olive garden
Grand Forks should carve out a college town niche for itself- one thing a sprawling Fargo can never do. It's already got a great downtown, greenway and campus, but just needs LOTS more locally owned gift, card and t-shirt shops and 30-seat cafes. Not the behemoth restaurants developers usually build around here. I wouldn't have the slightest idea where to send people who wanted to buy inexpensive offbeat stuff-foods, t-shirts, etc.–other than the Farmer's Market during the summer.
I promise you if Hooters comes here, it will make a KILLING in profits.
Anonymous 12:31, If you were a franchise owner or one looking to invest, you would know what people want. Did anyone ask you about
Denny's, BWW, Subway, or any of the others? No. We are looking up a dead horses butt when we whine about what we want. We should want businesses like marvin windows and the others that got away from us...
Biggest problem is the people of GF whine and then don't support those small business they whine about. (I think it takes more than just the whiners to make it work)
If it's profitable they will come. If not . . . . . .
No, if they (consumers) come it will be profitable.
I didn't say building business is without risk. And If I had the money I would invest in GF, because I think locals and-let's face, it-more sophisticated Winnipegers will support creative well-run small shops and restaurants that are locally owned. In fact, a friend who works at the CVB tells me that that's mostly what Canadians ask about. They already know where Target, Wal-Mart and Best Buy are. What visitors need help finding (good luck!) is indigenous small cafes, gift shops, etc. You can call it whining if you like, but the Hal Gershmans, Smileys and Kim Holmes of the world would do well to take note.
Good thing about Hooters, people of all ages can go, it's not a "21 & over" place. So GF Central and Red River kids can go, eat wings, drink lemonade, and gawk at the scantily clad women.
I would think that Hooters would move into the current BWW place and BWW would start fresh in a new building
Can Grand Forks support the waitress requirement for Hooters? ;)
@1:02
maybe as long as they don't stick to Hooters menu, as they no doubt would...
om nom nom
Hey. From the comments the last few months in this blog alone, it's more than obvious boobs are in long supply in the GFKS area.
Geez. I miss the quality (note: not quantity) the blog USED to exhibit.
A Hooters in Grand Forks?
Mmmmm...Tattoooooed boooooobs
This thread reminds me of the cattle nature of our society. Aren't we more than systematic consumers? We are mostly free from the chains and the businesses and the brands, aren't we? I really think an online community of this many people should have more the worry about than which franchise is going to move into GF next. Let's talk culture or events or lifestyles. How do people feel about Adam Kemp's garbage-art style that populates downtown? Where are the best places for a summer day/overnight outing? I don't care about I-Hop and am disheartened by the quality here (same as Nick).
*I'm not trying to flame! I love all of you!
sorry can't resist...the best place for a summertime outing IMO would be Schlitterbahn, or Market Square, Landa Park or even a local zoo...lots of culture, events and variety of lifestyles there...but sorry none of those places exist in Grand Forks do they? By the way, they are in San Antonio if anyone wants to take an overnight visit there...you'd LOVE it! There's also friendly folks that WELCOME others to the city...what a concept!
anyone else hear that Larry O'Connell is trying to put a bar in that building between KMart and the Public Library. It used to be a Hancock Fabric i believe. Hasnt Larry O ruined many bars in town?
Yes it is true about Larry O. So what's the point ? Are you against progress ? Olive Gardens all over GF ? greenglass4
IF I was skip's budget drug, I would take out a huge amount of fire insurance.
Who is Larry O? Has he owned bars in GF before? I guess I don't remember him.
Larry O used to own the Uptown/Downtown and Babylon. Good memories from uptown downtown, free beer from 9-10pm, and some of the bouncers would walk around picking fights. Great fun. Also Larry is continually pushing to get a strip in club in Grand Forks or close to town. His new bar is surely a result of all the 30 and 40 something Simplot/Mill/LM workers needing another place to hang out besides the Bun, Macs, The Broken Drum, Diamond Lounge, Rumors, and the Hub to name a few.
One thing for sure, if Terry Bjerke or Mike McNamara ever get elected mayor of Grand Forks, they'll set this community back 20 years, maybe even more. 50 to 55,000 people will look huge by the time they are finished.
Would you like to explain that, or just take a swipe at them?
OMG! I agree with greenglas. What is the problem with another bar? What is your problem with Larry O.?
Nodak brian can't explain himself because he is probably repeating what someone else said to him. He doesn't have a clue and wouldn't know it if he did?
So when is this new "gay bar" going to open? I remember reading of it 4-5 months ago?
Please...no White Castle, one of the most disgusting experiences I have ever had eating food.
I do agree with whoever suggested Erberts & Gerbert's. I eat there everytime I go to Fargo...it blows Jimmy John's out of the water. Better sandwiches and bread, and they actually serve soup. I really wish they would open up in GF.
I LOVE Whitecastle! When we'd head to MPLS during long weekends in college, I'd insist we'd go at least once. I think they only closed from 4am-7am or so. Slyders at 8am is a good thing.
You can buy them frozen at the supermarket, but they aren't the same as the "Whitecastle Experience".
It sounds to me like someone is looking for a gay bar...
Erberts & Gerbert's? Seriously? I have eaten there 3 times. I kept going back hoping it wasn't me. The sandwiches there are bland and tasteless. Subway and Jimmy John's easily beat them. Unless you like that chunk of bread they scrape out of the sandwich and flop on top of your sub...people eat that? Is that their "gimmick", putting that on your sandwich? Ack.
Larry O has such a sterling reputation for running (and burning) bars in EGF, I bet GF city leaders are jumping at the chance to give him a liquor license in GF. Jeesh. If greenglass likes him that should tell you something.
Back in the 70s Larry O. had the most spectacular new bar in the the Forks called LEVEL SEVEN in the EGF mall across from Cabelas. It actually had 7 levels. I wonder if the GF martini bar, 7th level?, is a takeoff on the 70s bar. Does L.O. own it?
No, different ownership. And, the name is Level 10.
Don't forget the Bridge Bar and the Backdoor Bar in EGF. The Bridge was packed every Wednesday night (many years ago) for free Long Island ice teas. It burned down in the late 1980's. The Backdoor was known for its many bar fights in and outside the establishment.
Backdoor bar was also known for selling liquor from bottles that sat in flood waters. Every business O'Connell opens eventually turns sleazy and fails. Or burns down and his attorney gets him found not guilty of arson.
None of the Grand Forks bars owners know what they are doing they are always scared to try something new and spend a buck. It takes money to make money! I know I have worked for many of them.
"I know I have worked for many of them."
I always thought it was the hired help that made a bar what it is. Friendly help keeps folks coming back. Grumpy help keeps them away.
Treat your help the way you want them to treat the customers.
Then again I've never worked in a bar - just spent some time in them a few years back.
Great times at the Backdoor, those were the days, big dance floor, good music, pool tables, quarts of beer, packed every weekend. Then if you wanted to get away, go out side to the tables. Brilliant! The place was a young mans paradise more hotties that ever deserved to be under one roof. The bar indestructible, the tables were line in galvanized sheet metal. A beer at the door and you were on your way. Sometime a new fling or perhaps an old classmate to catch up on old news. Good times at kegger prices.
Just to note, a keg of beer can't be destroyed by a flood. Only by a tornado, but only if the keg is ruptured. Spray it off with a gareden hose, tap it and enjoy.
new thread!
new thread!
new thread!
You ignorant fools. I never saw a fight start because of the way a bar looked or because of who the owner was. It is the people that frequent those places. I have never seen so many cops downtown since Gilleys opened up. So don't go blaming the bar owner. I hope he does open a bar in that location. If you don't like it, go to a gay bar like joe blacks...
re: Backdoor bar was also known for selling liquor from bottles that sat in flood waters. Every business O'Connell opens eventually turns sleazy and fails.
That is the stupidest thing I have heard yet. First of all, they don't turn sleazy. They are dressed down to be sleazy from the start because of the pigs like your daughter that go their, get drunk and then puke all over the place...
There is NO chance of the City Council giving Larry O a liquor license.
If they do, it will send a huge message of desperation!!!
Anon at 8:22
Is it true you burned your bars down Larry, or is that just urban legend?
8:22, you say that like sleazy chicks is a bad thing?
9:48, I believe the history is...he burned one bar and collected on the insurance. Then, he burned another one and was denied on his claim. The VERY sad part is, the GF City Council granted him a liquor license when he took over The Edge in downtown. The property has (I think) 4, or 8, apartments upstairs. There were unsuspecting tenants sleeping upstairs with a proven arsonist (allegedly) running a business downstairs. VERY bad deal! In fairness to the council, they were scammed when the license was applied for in his girlfriend's name. So, after the flood, he got the boot from East Grand Forks. Then, the GF City Council turned around and gave him a liquor license. This time around, the council would be crazy to grant him a license.
Also, he was the original developer of The Blue Moose. The joke was...it was built out of Duraflame logs. Good stuff!!!
Ask his niece about selling flood liquor. She worked there and told the story herself. He is legendary for being lean on integrity. Maybe some of you had good times there, but would you be his business partner or want his business next door to you? Doubt it.
RE: There were unsuspecting tenants sleeping upstairs with a proven arsonist (allegedly).
The "proven arsonist" that I have ever heard about were sent to prison. You have to be the (allegedly) most ignorant person I have ever seen on this site...
Oh good for you. Feel better about yourself now for having cleared that up?
Jeesh (what a dork)
i would rather be a dork as opposed to someone who just throws out allegations without knowing what they are talking about.
Jeez, (what an ass...)
By the way, yes, I do feel better about myself for clearing that up. You can't go around calling people arsonist because they have a suspicious fire or two, especially when they have never been found guilty of arson.
I agree ... innocent until proven guilty
"suspicious fire or two"? Are you kidding?
"suspicious fire or two"
I bet you complain about insurance rates don't you?
Only if clowns torch their business and collect insurance, making rates for the rest of us escalate.
"Nodak brian can't explain himself because he is probably repeating what someone else said to him. He doesn't have a clue and wouldn't know it if he did?"
Oh really? Well, I've followed politics in this city for a long time and I don't need someone to tell me what to think about Bjerke and McNamara; I have my own opinions. And here they are:
Bjerke thinks if we slash and burn government down to nothing we'll all have plenty of money and live in paradise (Adam Smith on steroids). The question is, what services are you willing to part with? Garbage collection? Leaf pick-up? Those are the questions he can't answer, all he can say is "cut, cut, cut" over and over again. For someone who works for the government (Postal Service), he sure is anxious to slash and burn it to the ground.
McNamara is pretty much the same. During the Mayoral race, he kept insisting that we cut spending and lower taxes. But whenever he was asked which programs should be cut, he couldn't answer the question. He just kept repeating the same phrase over and over again, "do more with less". Blah, Blah, Blah. I am not a huge Mike Brown fan, but I'll take him over a reactionary right-winger with no real solutions for our problems.
Don't get me wrong, I think property taxes are a big problem in Grand Forks (and elsewhere) and I think the City Council doesn't get challenged enough by the Mayor. But the last thing we need is to elect people who can sit on the sidelines and criticize, but when it comes time for solutions are silent because they don't have any constructive ideas of their own.
Maybe McNamara thought he could get elected mayor, just like Obama thinks he can get elected president by spouting change without answers.
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