Brian Gullickson describes himself as an entrepreneur at heart. For years, he envisioned owning a bar and restaurant that would serve as more than a business. He wanted to create a place where people gather, connect, and build community.
In 2023, he purchased and restored a bar in Kathryn, North Dakota. Through that experience, he saw firsthand how important local gathering places are in small rural towns. When historic bars and restaurants close, communities lose more than a business. They lose a place to meet.
That realization led him to look for additional communities where a bar and grill could fill a meaningful need. His search brought him to Valley City, where he took over operations of North 9 Bar & Grill, formerly a country club facility, in March 2025. After renovating the interior and stabilizing operations, he purchased the building outright in December 2025. North 9 is now open year-round, providing a consistent dining and gathering space for residents and visitors.
The restaurant offers a comfort food menu built around familiar, satisfying meals, paired with a welcoming bar atmosphere. For Gullickson, the most rewarding part of ownership is the people. He values providing local employment, interacting with customers, and building relationships that strengthen the community.
Planning Around Real Community Demand
Although Gullickson brings a background in marketing and prior ownership experience, he knew expansion required careful analysis. Through his lender, he connected with ND SBDC and worked with Southeast Center Director Paul Smith.
Together, they developed a formal business plan, completed market research and data analysis, and built financial projections to support financing. The process focused on understanding what services were already available in the area and identifying gaps North 9 could realistically fill. That clarity was instrumental in securing bank financing and gave Gullickson a stronger understanding of operational expectations.
A Model for Rural Revitalization
Running a restaurant in a smaller community presents challenges. Gullickson notes that finding reliable employees has been one of the most significant hurdles. Even so, he remains focused on steady operations and long-term sustainability.
Community response has been encouraging. Residents show up for specials, events, and entertainment. Many have expressed appreciation for the building’s facelift and the renewed investment in the property.
North 9 is not an isolated project. With assistance from the ND SBDC, Gullickson has since repeated the process in Fort Ransom, renovating and reopening another rural bar and grill. His broader vision centers on preserving the history and character of these gathering places while updating them with thoughtful improvements and restored vintage elements.
When asked what success depends on, his answer is direct: people. “Without customers and employees, you don’t have a business,” he said.
His advice to other entrepreneurs reflects his own experience. Understand the market. Identify what is missing. Do not get distracted by ego or aesthetics alone. A business succeeds when it meets a genuine community need.
For Gullickson, that mission continues. Through North 9 and future projects, he is working to ensure rural communities maintain places where neighbors can sit down, share a meal, and stay connected.
