Trade Talk: Sushi bar to open in downtown Fargo

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A sushi bar plans to open in downtown Fargo in early October.

Wasabi Sushi is owned by David Scheer and Thamrong “Keng” Dechawuth, who own Drunken Noodle and Leela Thai in Fargo and Thai Orchid in Moorhead.

Wasabi Sushi will be in the back of the Drunken Noodle restaurant at 623 NP Ave. It will offer a variety of sushi rolls, including flaming dragon rolls and California rolls, Scheer said.

“All the standards and some specials as the chef decides to be innovative,” Scheer said.

Fargo Coffee Co. opens second location

Fargo Coffee Co., a locally owned coffee shop, has opened its second Fargo location at 4265 45th St. S. in the Shoppes at Osgood.

It opened Tuesday and has lobby seating, a drive-through and free Wi-Fi.

The new restaurant has the same menu as the original shop at 1601 S. University Drive, with a full coffee and espresso bar.

A major difference is that the second location is not open 24 hours like the original store. The new Fargo Coffee Co. is open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

The Red Shoe now in Vlana Vlee store

The Red Shoe closed its shop at 315 Broadway in downtown Fargo this week and has partnered with Vlana Vlee, 102 Broadway.

The Red Shoe sells high-end shoes, boots and handbags.

Vlana Vlee, which owner Julie Smith opened last October, is a retail boutique that offers women’s apparel, gifts, baby items, home furnishings and a design studio.

Vlana Vlee now offers Red Shoe merchandise and is building an area in the store for the products.

“It’s bringing together the best of both worlds,” said Deb Reynolds, Vlana Vlee marketing manager. “This gives our customers the opportunity to have a one-stop shop for clothing, home and the quality of Red Shoe items that they had in the past.”

Jan Scott and Ruth and Greg Olson opened The Red Shoe in October 2004 at 518 1st Ave. N. A few years later, it moved to the former Fargoan hotel location.

When the lease was up, the owners decided it would be a good partnership to collaborate with Vlana Vlee, which has the same clientele, Reynolds said. Smith now owns The Red Shoe.

“This brings in a better product mix across the board,” Reynolds said.

Ulteig ranked among best firms to work for

Ulteig, a Fargo-based company that offers engineering, planning and surveying services, has been ranked among the Top 10 Best Multidiscipline A/E Firms to Work For in the country by management consulting and research firm ZweigWhite and engineering media specialists Stagnito Media.

The annual list identifies top-ranked firms in civil engineering, structural engineering, multidiscipline A/E services, environmental services and architecture.

Companies are selected based on commitments to provide a positive work environment, and challenging and interesting opportunities for employees, a news release stated.

Fargo businesswoman Karn Jilek honored

Karn Jilek of Fargo-based JK Lube Inc., recently received Jiffy Lube International’s Arlene Karlson Heart and Soul Award.

Jilek, a Jiffy Lube franchisee, was honored for her community involvement, including disaster relief efforts, serving as board chairwoman for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in North Dakota, and serving on the business training committee of the Chamber of Commerce of Fargo-Moorhead.

In 2008, Jilek was elected president of the Jiffy Lube Association of Franchisees.

She and John Olstad own the three Jiffy Lube service centers in Fargo.

Readers can reach Business Editor Craig McEwen at (701) 241-5502 and business reporter Tracy Frank at (701) 241-5526

Tags: trade talk, business, fargo, food, retail