For Sale: Iconic North Dakota Pizza Joint’s Future In Question

One of the most iconic pizza parlors in all of North Dakota is now for sale.

I have very fond memories of this pizza joint in my hometown of Grand Forks. Growing up it was one of our hang-out places with an ice cream shop and an arcade. It's where I learned to master Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Tempest when I was young.

It was also the place to take a date, chill with your friends, and their lunch buffet was second to none. My co-workers and I would frequently do lunch at this restaurant and if they had your name on their reader board that day you received a free lunch.

Not to mention their taco pizza is world famous, and I personally was addicted to their mud pie ice cream.

This pizza place was also the place to have your kid's birthday party. In fact, this is where we had one of my son's first big birthday parties when he was young. So many memories at this pizza joint.

The iconic pizza parlor that is now for sale is none other than Happy Joe's in Grand Forks.

According to the Grand Forks Herald, owner Todd Halverson who is now 62 years old, and has owned the restaurant for 37 years, says, "It's time for some new blood to operate the business." Halverson also has been battling some health issues and wants to retire.

The Happy Joes in Grand Forks and Minot are the two remaining dine-in Happy Joes remaining in the state. Fargo recently added a Happy Joe's in 2024 with carry-out and drive-thru orders only.

Bismarck has a location inside Red Carpet at 2921 North 11th Street. They are a "grab and go" pizza place only, more like a Hot Stuff Pizza.

Now, that Happy Joe's is officially for sale in Grand Forks, along with their building, what does this mean for the business?

Like anything else, it depends on who buys it. Halverson said his group is open to selling the business with or without the Happy Joe's building. Any sale of business has to be approved by the company's corporate office.

Halverson did add that he is hopeful the business will continue as he transitions to retirement. I guess time will tell.