May 18, 2008 - 14:38:51 CDT
Downtown Bismarck is bustling with some changes, new shops and with preparations for the first Ribfest.Artist Jill Carter teamed up with Lila Marquart to create The Studio, located on 303 E. Main Ave., which will open at the end of May.
Carter will do stained glass and Marquart does jewelry; the 500-square-foot space is separated into a retail area and a small studio, where the two can work in the open.
"We are also planning to feature guest artists throughout the year," said Carter. "We really want it to be a place where other artists can come and be inspired to go out on their own."
The hours are tentatively scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Rustic Accents, owned by Wanda Holte, recently moved from Gateway Mall to 515 E. Main Ave.
The 500-square-foot store features western-style decor, including metal-work, handmade birdhouses and handmade jewelry. Holte said she moved from the mall to downtown to better enjoy the foot traffic and the additional flexibility of hours.
Mr. Delicious, at 118 N. Fourth St., known for its cheesecakes, has expanded into serving lunches. The store has a variety of new menu items, including curry, sandwiches and soups, and will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for lunch.
Tricia’s Bakery, which features homemade dog treats, is moving out of Tricia Allen’s home and into a storefront downtown.
Allen will work in the former Apple Creek Builders space at 413 E. Broadway Ave., selling her homemade doggy and people treats.
"One of the biggest reasons is that I feel I have the customer base to be able to open the store now. I have a definite following," Allen said. The doggy baker has been in business for a few years, selling custom treats for pups.
She also plans to feature Pride of Dakota products in her store, which she hopes to open in the middle to end of July. Hours would be tentatively set for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Ribfest lineup
The first area Rip-Roarin’ Ribfest, hosted by the Downtowners Association, recently announced its entertainment list, which consists of local and regional bands.
Four national barbecue vendors are taking center stage at the festival, cooking platefuls of ribs and other barbecue treats.
Ribfest will run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. from June 19 to June 21 in Lot D of the Bismarck Civic Center.
No more pets
After a 17-year run, House of Sund in Gateway Mall is closing.
Bill Pringle, the manager of the pet store, would not comment as to why they are closing, but said the last day of business will be May 24.
The owner and manager are the only employees working at the store; they both decided about two months ago to close the business. They will not be reopening at another location.
(Reach reporter Crystal R. Reid at 250-8261 or at crystal.reid@bismarcktribune.com.)
Point to Ponder wrote on May 19, 2008 5:07 PM:
What a nice touch. Good sandwiches, too. "
Comments are reviewed for taste, tone and language before posting.
Some comments may be used in the Tribune's print edition.