West Acres Food Court: A Culinary Time Capsule of Family Recipes

For nearly 25 years, the West Acres Food Court in Fargo, North Dakota, has been more than just a place to grab a bite; it’s a unique repository of family recipes, offering a heartwarming glimpse into the culinary traditions of the region and beyond. The food court houses roughly 500 recipes, collected through a fundraising initiative for the Great Plains Food Bank.

The Origin of a Delicious Idea

The concept of showcasing recipes within the food court arose during discussions about decorating the walls prior to its opening. According to Brad Schlossman, CEO of West Acres Development, an employee suggested collecting recipes from the public as a way to personalize the space. “Somebody said, ‘Why don’t we put recipes on there?’” Schlossman recounted in a recent interview. KVRR

A Recipe for Fundraising

The idea quickly evolved into a fundraising opportunity for the Great Plains Food Bank. Individuals could submit their cherished recipes for a minimum donation of $25, with their culinary creations then displayed for all to see. Recipes poured in not only from across North Dakota but also from as far away as Chicago and Canada. KVRR

From Recipes to Cookbook

The sheer volume of submissions led West Acres to compile a cookbook, organizing the recipes into categories such as snacks, breads, and soups. Schlossman shared that family members have contributed recipes with deep personal meaning. “My wife submitted one that is soul food to us, and we really enjoy that. My brother submitted one that was a dessert that my mother made that is legendary in the family,” he said. KVRR

A Taste of Home

Schlossman emphasized the emotional connection people have to these recipes, describing a sense of warmth and nostalgia when viewing them. “What I sense when I look at those recipes is the warmth that went into the creation of the recipes, the handing down through generations,” he explained. KVRR

West Acres Development and Leadership

Brad Schlossman has served as the CEO of West Acres Development for 28 years. Fargo Rotary Club He is a Fargo native, having attended South High School and Southern Methodist University. Fargo Rotary Club Schlossman also oversees The District at West Acres, noting the mall is currently experiencing a “sweet spot” with a 2% vacancy rate. Fargo Rotary Club

Looking Ahead

While there are no immediate plans to actively solicit recent recipes, West Acres hopes the tradition of sharing family favorites will continue, ensuring the food court remains a unique and cherished part of the Fargo community. KVRR