FARGO — Duane’s House of Pizza, one of Fargo-Moorhead’s most beloved tavern-style pizza places, has a new franchise owner and more locations are expected to open in the area in the coming days.
Slainte Hospitality, the investor group that also owns the Blarney Stone Pub and Hotel Donaldson in downtown Fargo, has purchased the franchise rights to Duane’s from longtime owner Steve Schultz, the partners announced Friday, June 21.
“I’m very excited to be involved with a brand that’s been in Fargo for decades and make it even better,” Jim Poolman said in an exclusive interview with The Forum.
Poolman said additional locations are also being considered.
“I’m particularly interested in looking at north Fargo near the North Dakota State University campus,” Poolman said, “or even bringing it to other towns.”
Grand Forks, Bismarck and Minnesota’s Lakes Country are good areas for expansion, Poolman said.
Poolman said the two Fargo stores and one in Moorhead will continue to be operated independently by their respective owners under a master franchise agreement that Slante purchased from Schultz.
“We look forward to working with these franchisees to continue to provide a great customer experience and deliver a great product,” he said.
David Samson/The Forum
According to Poolman, FM franchise locations include:
- Duane’s House of Pizza, located at 1629 S. University Drive in Fargo, is operated by Slice, LLC.
- Duane’s at SouthTown PourHouse, 4281 45th St. S. in Fargo, is owned by Chad Klimek.
- Duane’s, the Midtown Tavern at 2223 Centre Ave. on Moorhead’s east side, is owned by RKB Investments Inc.
Schultz, who now lives in Florida, said his family has been in the pizza business for nearly 70 years and he’s been making pizza for 47 years.
“(He’ll be missed, no question about it),” Schultz said. “It’s in the blood.”
Poolman said Sláinte Group initially sought to enter into a franchise license agreement with Schultz.
David Samson/The Forum
The two had a good relationship, and over time the conversation shifted to the idea of Schultz retiring and “having people with restaurant experience take over the brand,” Poolman said. “He decided we would be the right fit.”
“Like the Hotel Donaldson acquisition, Duane’s is an iconic Fargo brand, it’s well known, it’s a mainstay in Fargo, and people have supported Duane’s for decades,” Poolman said.
He added that Duane’s location has room to expand.
“Even with all the growth in this particular market, we think leveraging a great product and a great brand will always work,” Poolman said.
“We have enough experience in the food business that we’d love to try it ourselves, but (Sláinte) is open to other businesses wanting to franchise,” Poolman said. “Our product is unique, it’s proven and people really like it, so we think there’s an opportunity for growth.”
Like many Fargo-area residents, Poolman grew up eating Duane’s Pizza.
But he never expected he’d end up owning the brand.
“Growing up in Fargo, Duan’s Pizza was a treat in our home and I never imagined I’d actually own it 40 years later. As a Fargo native, it’s exciting to be involved with a Fargo staple brand that I grew up with,” Poolman said.
Poolman added that Sláinte Hospitality will maintain Duane’s high standards.
“Steve and his father built a great business that performed consistently well and always wanted to improve, and we have that same mindset,” Poolman said. “We’re very excited about the opportunity this brings and are excited to continue to grow and expand our great product.”
