Our Story

The Fargo Cork'n Cleaver has been a dining tradition in Fargo, for the last 55 years.   

 

When the Cork opened in March 1970, it was outside of the city limits, in an open field. 

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The Fargo Cork'n Cleaver was a locally owned franchise (Tom Lavelle, Robert Berrell, 'Hawley' Rufer and Dean Knudsen)

of a chain known for its Cork coat check and its Cleaver as the menu. The menu started very simply, it was just four steaks, sauteed mushrooms, salad bar,  Red River Valley baked potato, and an Artichoke.  

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The Fargo Cork' n Cleaver was a part of a restaurant chain. The first Cork opened in Scottsdale in 1964, by Peter Green and Tom Fleck (from Minot, ND).  When the 'Cork' chain sold to Chart House, the Fargo Cork, being independently owned, kept its concept, adpated its name, but kept the basics that made the Cork unique. 

 

The Cork has seen many changes over the years; from an expanded menu (that original cleaver), a expanded Salad Bar, Windows (which many regulars said would be the end of the Cork) to replacing the coat room with booths and adding a patio to replace the driveway; but, it has kept the same welcome atmosphere of adobe brick walls, soft fire light and and exposed wood.  Its menu has kept the core items, quality hand cut aged beef, salad bar and Red River Valley potatoes; but has added slow roasted prime rib, Alaskan king crab, Northern Walleye, chicken, shrimp and an extended appetizer list. 

 

The Fargo Cork attributes it success to customers who regularly make it a special spot for dinner, drinks and appetizers.  It is this continued local support from our community, and the work of our awesome staff,

that has made the Cork as you see it today. 

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