The latest addition to the Bison Block building brings a Mexican flavor to the south side of the North Dakota State University campus, with a selection of build-your-own burritos, quesadillas and bowls, co-owner Brent Tehven said Tuesday, July 9.

The eatery at 1414 12th Ave. N. is now open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It will be closed Sundays until classes are in session.

He said the lack of south-of-the-border food options in north Fargo - and a huge, hungry market right across the street - made for an opportunity too good not to bite on.

“Right across from campus,” Tehven said. “A good quality product that north Fargo and the campus can enjoy. Shoot, there’s 20,000 people right across the street, so it’s kind of that quick service lunch.”

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The concept is similar to that of Mexican food giant Chipotle, Tehven said. The food is fast, fresh, and made to order.

A chicken or ground beef burrito goes for $7.99, with added charges for steak or vegan fillings, guacamole, queso and extra cheese, meat, sour cream or veggies, he said.

The general manager is Frank Thomas.

“He has done a great job hiring the staff and developing the recipes. He’s kind of the straw that stirs the drink,” Tehven said.

Thomas, originally from Colorado, has lived in the F-M area for about a dozen years.

Thomas, who turns 45 this year, took his first restaurant job at age 14. He’s not classically trained, but after 30 years in the business, he’s confident people will like his food.

“I just do what I do well,” Thomas said.

Tehven said the restaurant is opening now to give its employees a chance to sharpen their skills before classes begin. Their first big test will be the crowds attending USA Wrestling’s junior national championships, starting Friday, July 12, at the Fargodome.

“We want to be part of campus,” Tehven said. “We want to be part of the community, part of the neighborhood. We want to fill the niche so people don’t have to drive over to 13th Avenue South” to enjoy a meal.

Tehven has a silent partner in the business. He also has a stake in the neighboring Herd and Horns sports bar.