Investors buy former interstate cafe

TOWER CITY, N.D. (AP) — The Tower City landmark that was so popular for nearly 50 years is now in rubble. Passers-by on Interstate 94 may be shocked to see the state of the Tower View Cafe and Tower Fuel Stop. It was a well-known spot to eat and fill up gas tanks.

That's the bad news. Now the good news.

A group of investors is building a new cafe and service station-convenience store on the same spot. The Tower Travel Center group is led by Mark Richman of Fargo and his brother, Tim, a Tower City farmer. Mark Richman said other investors were involved in the project but want to remain silent partners.

"It was successful for 50 years, but physically, it is worn out," Mark said last week of the cafe. "Some parts were worth saving, but economically, it's best to start over."

The investors want to fill the needs of area residents and people traveling on the interstate.

"We're real excited to have it reopened, and it's an area-wide project. There are lots of good people involved," Mark Richman said. "It's good for the community."

Richman said the investors are excited to see what the venture can do for the next 50 years. The old structures were torn down over Halloween weekend and contractors were on the job Nov. 1.

"We want to get the exterior concrete done before the cold weather sets in and then work on the interior work over the winter," Richman said. Construction should be done by March or April, he said.

The steel-frame building will be 9,000 square feet and will house a 4,000-square-foot restaurant with seating for 100. A modern, bigger convenience store is planned, which will sell deli sandwiches and other snacks and beverages.