New retail, dining coming to Watford
By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor
More retail and dining opportunities will be coming to Watford City in the very near future, according to Minneapolis-based Oppidan Investment Company. The company, which helped bring Cash Wise Foods to Watford City, has announced that Tractor Supply, along with 10 other new businesses are planned to be open by this November in the Watford Plaza, which is a 130,000-square foot commercial development currently being constructed at the intersection of Highways 85 and 23 in Watford City.
According to Joe Ryan, president of Oppidan, in addition to Tractor Supply, the other retail businesses include Red Wing Shoes, Z Wireless, Mailbox Solutions, and Alco.
But for area residents who have been clamoring for more dining opportunities, the addition of several sit-down and fast food restaurants is going to be welcome news.
According to Ryan, American Smokewagon BBQ, Happy Joe’s Pizza, Happy Rice Buffet, and Taco John’s are also committed to the development and are expected to be open in November.
In addition, Oppidan intends to open an office, Oppidan Investment Company, in the Watford Plaza.
“It’s been very exciting to be a part of Watford Plaza’s evolution from a dream to a concept to a retail destination,” said Ryan. “With the opening of Cash Wise Foods, residents of Watford City now have access to the goods and services they want and need. And what’s most exciting, is that there’s so much more to come.”
According to Ryan, the center will be fully occupied and open by the end of this year.
“This is great news for Watford City,” states Brent Sanford, Watford City mayor, on the new businesses coming to the community. “It is nice to see the retail starting to come into the city.”
Watford Plaza is one of two Oppidan-owned developments in Watford City. In June, the company opened Pheasant Ridge Apartments, a 42-unit apartment complex located at 1005 South Pheasant Ridge Road, just two blocks north of downtown Watford City.
Oppidan has a number of additional real estate interests throughout North Dakota, including planned or completed residential and commercial developments in Dickinson, Minot, New Town, Stanley, Tioga, and Williston.
Twin Cities-based Oppidan Investment Company is a national property development firm offering a full range of real estate services. The company works with a wide range of clients, but is recognized for its work with industry-leading retailers including Cub Foods, Carl’s Jr., Camping World, Coborn’s, Econofoods, Goodwill, Orchard Supply, Verizon Wireless, Gander Mountain, and more. Since its founding in 1991, Oppidan has successfully developed more than 300 projects valued at more than $1.5 billion spanning more than nine million square feet of property in 26 states.