One thing that many people in the Fargo-Moorhead area do when they want to "take a break" is visit area restaurants.
Many people say that they go out to eat to get away from cooking responsibilities. People also enjoy the experience. All those at Central Cass polled said that they enjoyed eating out. As freshman Rory Utvick said, "It's better food than I can cook."
Favorite restaurants in Fargo-Moorhead include everything from Olive Garden to Denny's to Taco Bell. A majority of students polled chose sit-down restaurants over fast food joints. Senior Kevin Carley said his favorite restaurant is Denny's "because it's like a second home" to him.
Students were more likely to say that Fargo needed more restaurants t
han that it has too many. However, one student said there was a need for fewer quick-service places and more upscale restaurants. "I think there are too many fast-food places," junior Beth Sinner said. "We need more sit-down-and-just-relax restaurants."
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Other students would like to see a better variety of eateries. Junior James Sink said that he would like to see Paula's Place come to Fargo, "because you get to write on the walls." Jamie Spooner said that she would like to see a restaurant that has different varieties of foods served under one roof. Requests for "What a Burger" and "Dante's Inferno" are also present.
Fargo restaurant owners also commented on the restaurant situation in Fargo. Advestising and competing with other eateries seem to be the biggest hurdles in the business. Gary Porter, who owns Boppa's Bagels, said, "We still have people every day that come in an
d say they didn't know we were here. We need to get our name out more....that's what we're working on." Vicki Williams, owner of Edith May's Natural Food Company, said, "Competition has definetely grown since we've started. Littlefield's cook Duane Huseby said, "The real battle....is to educate the public. They aren't really aware they are missing anything."
Business owners and employees do have confidence that Fargo can handle more eating establishments, especially in specialty areas. Porter said, "Fargo has a lot of restaurants per capita. As a result, you have to find a niche." Williams said, "I think there's more room for specialties." Huseby said, "....I don't think we have any real competition....we are the only store that offers all we do."
Whatever the type of eatery, teens enjoy going out to dinner. As Carley said, "There's never too many restaurants. As long as there's food I'll eat."
