NEW WHISKEY AND WINE BAR HEADING TO WEST FARGO

By Wendy Reuer | West Fargo Focus

WEST FARGO — After parking concerns led the West Fargo City Commission to deny a proposed cocktail and conversations bar downtown, commissioners reconsidered two weeks later and West Fargo may soon welcome the Noble Hare to The Firm on northern Sheyenne Street.

Isaac Olson plans to open a destination spot at 344 Sheyenne St. that will serve liberal libations unique to the metro area in a comforting space to allow for extended conversations. Or, in Olson’s words, a place to go for “date night.”

The Noble Hare would move into the vacant first floor space at The Firm, which has not been home to a business since it was built. A restaurant was once interested in the space, but changed directions as the COVID-19 pandemic struck the industry hard, said West Fargo Economic Development Manager Casey Sanders-Berglund.

Planned in the space is a sectioned off area that will feature a wall of whiskey lockers as well as an egomatic wine service. Small foods that are not found commonly in our community will be served with plans for education and unique events.

In January, the Economic Development Committee unanimously voted to support the Noble Hare by recommending Olson and the business receive a $75,000 city grant being offered to businesses considering a move to downtown West Fargo, also known as The Yards.

When the grant application came before the West Fargo City Commission, Commissioner Mark Simmons asked to table the vote as he felt that parking needs in the area have not yet been adequately addressed.

Commissioner Roben Anderson also had concerns at the time, saying that the area may not need another bar that will be close to residential properties.

“I also feel like we’re starting to lose sight of what we want to do with the downtown,” Anderson said.

However, Olson assured the commission Noble Hare will not be like other “bars” in the area with loud music or TVs shouting sports.

“We believe there are more than enough sports bars in this area and we really don’t need any more,” he said. “We’re not trying to create a place where a whole bunch of rambunctious 22- year-olds can come and party. It’s more of a place where, I like to say, people can come and refine the art of conversation.”

At the January meeting, approval of the grant application failed by a tied vote, Simmons and Anderson voted against, while Mayor Bernie Dardis and Commissioner Brad Olson voted to advance. Commissioner Mandy George was not in attendance due to a work conflict.

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Sanders-Berglund pointed out that although her evidence was anecdotal, she and Olson have both spent time along Sheyenne Street during the peak business times and at no time was there no available parking. At the busiest time, Sanders-Berglund found 11 spots still open, with 37 spots open on one of the slowest days.

Olson pointed out that many of the businesses are open daytime hours, closing near 5 p.m., or 6 p.m., whereas much of the Noble Hare business will be visiting in the evening and later hours.

The Noble Hare will be open 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays and 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Sundays. It will be closed Mondays.

On Monday, Feb. 6, Commissioner Simmons asked the full commission to reconsider the Noble Hare proposal, saying he believed it could be huge asset to the community. The grant was approved this time around unanimously.

Commissioner Anderson said he changed his vote after speaking to residents and the owners and found the proposal could be a good fit for The Yards.

“I don’t drink at all, but this looked like a place I would want to go to,” Commissioner George said.

Olson said he is hoping to open the Noble Hare around April.

Readers can reach West Fargo editor Wendy Reuer at wreuer@forumcomm. com or 701-241-5530. Follow her on Twitter @ForumWendy.

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