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Fargo liquor board approves transfers for Phoenix Buffet and Toasted Frog
Summary
The Fargo Liquor Control board approved two license transfers after background checks and review, allowing continued operation at both locations under new ownership arrangements.
The Fargo Liquor Control board voted to approve two transfers of alcoholic beverage licenses, allowing a new owner to operate Phoenix Buffet at 315540 Fifth Street South and a new ownership group to continue operating the Toasted Frog at 305 Broadway.
The approvals came after staff said background checks produced no issues and, in one case, a local manager was identified and cleared. "We came up with nothing in the background, that was of concern," said Steve Sprague, a licensing staff member, recommending approval.
Why it matters: License transfers preserve ongoing businesses and keep downtown storefronts occupied. Board members said maintaining active businesses downtown and preserving established brands — for example, keeping the Toasted Frog name and menu items — guided their decisions.
Most important facts: For the Phoenix Buffet transfer, staff said the previous operator (Mexican Village) closed and a buyer was found; the applicant initially lacked a named local manager, but staff later verified a local manager who passed the background check. For the Toasted Frog transfer, staff described the transaction as a "going concern" transfer: the business name and location remain the same while ownership changes, which aligns with past practice for similar FARZ/FARZ-like licenses.
Board process and outcome: Commissioners moved and seconded each approval; votes were called and the motions carried. Staff reminded the board that licensees had been informed of server training and other regulatory requirements.
Context and next steps: Board members asked staff to compile a list of which legacy licenses remain transferable in the future, noting earlier changes to license rules around 2014. Steve Sprague said staff are maintaining a spreadsheet identifying older transferable licenses for future reference.
Ending: With background checks complete and compliance expectations reiterated to the new licensees, both transfers were approved and the board moved on to other agenda items.
