Mon Sep 23 22:13:29 UTC 2024: ## Beloved Fargo Restaurant BernBaum’s Closes Its Doors

**FARGO, ND** – BernBaum’s, the popular downtown Fargo restaurant known for its unique Nordic-Jewish cuisine and national acclaim, has closed its doors. Co-owners Andrea Baumgardner and Brett Bernath announced the closure on Monday, September 23, citing a recent personnel issue and the demanding nature of the restaurant industry.

BernBaum’s, which opened in 2016, quickly became a favorite for its breakfast and lunch offerings, including its signature bagels and chicken matzo ball soup. The restaurant’s unique concept, blending Baumgardner’s Icelandic heritage with Bernath’s Jewish background, garnered attention nationwide, with features in publications like The New York Times.

The closure comes as a surprise to many in the Fargo community, who praised BernBaum’s for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious food. The restaurant was known for its creative monthly dinner series, featuring dishes inspired by the staff’s diverse backgrounds, and its playful atmosphere, with toy metal ovens on the wall where guests could leave messages and testimonials.

Baumgardner, who was nominated for Best Chef Midwest in the James Beard Awards, said she was grateful for the support the restaurant received over the years. “I loved that when people came to BernBaum’s they made it their own,” she said. “I have a treasure trove of good memories.”

While the couple expressed a desire to focus on other ventures, Baumgardner emphasized that she still plans to be active in the food industry. “I really love feeding people and working with people and meeting people,” she said.

Unused gift cards can be refunded by contacting giftcards@bernbaums.com. The couple also announced that tickets for the upcoming Oktoberfest collaboration with Moorhead Junkyard Brewing will be refunded this week.

The closure of BernBaum’s marks the end of an era for Fargo’s culinary scene, but the restaurant’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through the memories of its loyal patrons and the unique fusion of cultures it brought to the city.

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