UPDATE: Moorhead’s Junkyard Brewing new taproom location approved in West Fargo

WEST FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) - West Fargo City Officials voted to approve the new Junkyard location Tuesday. Junkyard posted to their social media sharing the news and they say they plan to open their doors later in 2023 at the new location at 409 Sheyenne Street. Renovations on the building are scheduled to begin in March, and if all goes according to plan, beer enthusiasts can look forward to raising a glass and celebrating the business opening later in 2023.

The new taproom is designed with plenty of outdoor patio seating, including a rooftop patio that will offer panoramic views of the historic neighborhood. The main floor will feature a bar, and there will be another bar on the second story serving second-floor seating and the rooftop patio. The second-floor seating inside the building will overlook a two-story central atrium with the main bar and seating visible below. In a unique twist, the main bar will wrap around the old bank vault that will soon become the beer keg cooler.

The building, which was constructed in 1979 and previously housed banks, most recently Bell Bank, has inspired Junkyard to create a “retro modern” look for the taproom. Renovations will pay homage to the sturdy construction and geometric Mid Century design of the building while incorporating Junkyard’s unique character.

“We’re excited to be joining the West Fargo business community,” says Michelle Juhnke, owner of the company. “Our goal is to be more than just a place to grab a cold one. We want to work with local businesses and artists, host food trucks, charitable events and fundraisers, and create a welcoming, community-friendly atmosphere where everyone feels at home. We’ve got a number of supportive messages from businesses and business owners in the Sheyenne neighborhood, so that’s encouraging and it makes us feel like we’ll be welcomed by the neighborhood.”

Original story: Junkyard Brewing Company is in talks with the City of West Fargo, negotiating details of a vacant building at 409 Sheyenne Street. Junkyard Brewing LLC filed their business with the state of North Dakota in mid-January. They tell Valley News Live they are still working through some details, but may be ready to release additional information later in February.

On Monday, February 6, the West Fargo City Commission approved a resolution to reduce the number of off-street parking spaces required at 409 Sheyenne Street. According to the City Commission agenda, Junkyard Brewing is proposing to convert the old downtown Bell Bank building into a taproom.

The proposed change in use from a bank to an eating/drinking establishment means the city requires a greater number of off-street parking stalls. However, Junkyard feels the minimum parking requirement is excessive for their need. Junkyard is proposing a total of 45 parking stalls on-site, and roughly 27 on-street stalls near the property on the north, west, and south. Right now, the minimum parking requirement is 102 stalls, per city ordinance.