Photos by Paul Flessland
Just as mint and basil can be added to any recipe for a nice fresh flavor, the new store MINT + BASIL can add a special flavor to your day-to-day life. This quaint kitchen boutique was opened in October by Donny and Hope Goldammer, a dynamic local husband-and-wife duo.
Donny and Hope Goldammer
Adding to the Destination of Downtown
Whenever they travel, they love going to city downtowns to find the local boutiques. Donny Goldammer said, “The Duluth Kitchen Company was an inspiration. We thought, this needs to be in Fargo somewhere.”
Donny Goldammer did most of the design and construction and he will make sure to always tell people that he wasn’t just the boss that he got down and dirty during demo. Hope teases him by adding in that he really did get down and dirty, he was a huge help when it came time to ordering the Dumpster rental. Hope Goldammer mainly curates the collection they carry in the store. When they were planning and creating the brand of MINT + BASIL, they ultimately wanted to add more to the destination of Downtown Fargo. Donny Goldammer said, “The more destinations, the more people come down here and the more the culture grows. We really felt this could be a good addition to that.”
Adding Love To It
MINT + BASIL was created over the last two years. The Goldammers spent a lot of time developing their brand and going to trade shows.
“I think what we thought the store would be in the beginning drastically changed to what it is today. Just because it really gave us more time to dissect what we wanted to bring in here and what type of companies and brands we want to be represented in the store. We do carry some bigger name brands that you can find other places,” said Hope Goldammer.
As time went by, Hope Goldammer found small vendors through Instagram. She said, “Like the jam line we have in, she actually hand letters each label. Attention to detail is what I really look for, too. It has so much more meaning to it than just being manufactured and a label slapped on it. It’s like some love is put into it.”
MINT + BASIL Goes with Everything
MINT + BASIL is definitely a place for everyone with their kitchen items, spiced salts, honeys and teas. Not only can you mix MINT + BASIL’s products throughout the home, but they make unique gi s as well. Hope Goldammer said, “Another big thing for us was hitting the male demographic. We want to give men another reason to come downtown.”
Support the culture you love to share with your family and friends while also finding a unique gift for family and friends this Christmas. If you can’t find certain things, spices or heirloom products, be sure to suggest items to Donny and Hope Goldammer.
MINT TIPS
- Dice up some mint and add it to your hamburgers for a fresh flavor.
- Give old-fashioned deviled eggs a fancy update by adding in fresh basil.
For more information about MINT + BASIL, contact:
Donny & Hope Goldammer
facebook.com/shopmintandbasil
714 Main Ave., Fargo
