URGENT UPDATE: Major developments are reshaping the business landscape in Fargo-Moorhead as Kwik Trip and Taco John’s make significant comebacks, while new cannabis shops open their doors. These changes are set to impact the local economy and consumer choices in real-time.
In a surge of retail activity, the first Kwik Trip convenience store opened at 1409 Main Ave. S.E. in Moorhead on October 9, 2025, followed by the first Kwik Star location at 2530 12th Ave. S. in Fargo on November 20. The new stores are receiving enthusiastic support due to their reputation for fresh, made-to-order food and a clean shopping environment. The Kwik Trip chain was recently voted the Best Gas Station Brand in the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice awards for the second consecutive year.
Also causing excitement is the return of Taco John’s to the Fargo-Moorhead area. Pentex Restaurant Group, the largest franchisee of Taco John’s, announced plans to renovate a former Taco John’s at 4522 26th Ave. S. in Fargo. They filed for a building permit on October 10, with the location expected to reopen its doors on January 5, 2026. CEO Brett Itterman expressed ambitions to expand to three locations within the next 18 to 24 months, marking a significant return to the fast-food scene.
In a groundbreaking development, Waabigwan Mashkiki, Minnesota’s first tribal cannabis shop off-reservation, opened at 2902 Highway 10 in Moorhead on May 24. This establishment comes as recreational cannabis became fully legal in the state on August 1, 2023. The shop’s cannabis is sourced from a cultivation facility on the White Earth Reservation, showcasing a new business opportunity in the cannabis sector.
However, the road to cannabis entrepreneurship remains challenging. Aspiring dispensary owner Darren Dado is working on transforming a former Burger King at 100 21st St. N. into a cannabis shop. He anticipates completing state and local inspections within eight weeks, aiming to begin retail sales shortly thereafter.
As the cannabis market develops, Robin Huston, city planner in Moorhead, revealed that of 1,407 businesses that applied for cannabis licenses, only 102 have received preliminary approval. This slow process raises questions about accessibility for those wanting to enter the cannabis industry.
The Fargo-Moorhead region is also witnessing a boom in entertainment venues. Levity, featuring an arcade and a pizza parlor, opened in June at 344 Sheyenne Street in West Fargo, providing a family-friendly entertainment option. In November, Slick City Action Park debuted at 3430 Jacks Way S. in Fargo, boasting innovative slides designed by a former NASA engineer.
Looking ahead, the NRG Adventure Park is set to open soon in the former Gordman’s at 5100 14th Ave. S., promising a unique mix of activities including a ninja course and foam pit events.
These developments are not just reshaping the local business scene; they are creating job opportunities and enhancing community engagement. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to explore the new offerings as Fargo-Moorhead continues to evolve with these exciting changes.
