Paul Kamrud and Priscilla Von Ende, proprietors of Piggy BBQ in Thief River Falls, Minnesota, recounted their entrepreneurial journey at TREK on February 6, 2024. Paul, hailing from Bemidji, Minnesota, spent 25 years there before moving to West Fargo and eventually, to Thief River Falls. Despite lacking a background in the restaurant industry, his experience in bartending and hospitality, coupled with his versatility, positioned him as the face of Piggy BBQ. Priscilla, raised on a small farm in Roseau, developed a strong work ethic from an early age. Her diverse background includes management at Pizza Ranch in Roseau, accounting studies at Northland, and a stint in the hairdressing industry.
The inception of Piggy BBQ stemmed from their admiration for the beloved Fozzies and the town’s affinity for BBQ, leading them to seize the opportunity to franchise.
The journey from concept to reality has been a whirlwind of perseverance and collaboration. The couple’s encounter with the franchise owners and the support of SCORE mentors, Advance Thief River, and Northern State Bank, have been pivotal in realizing their vision. As they navigate the intricacies of running a business, from crunching numbers to managing supplies and staffing, they find themselves constantly learning and adapting. Their motivation stems from the desire to create a unique culinary experience while fostering a sense of community and providing employment opportunities.
Embracing the challenges of entrepreneurship required a significant lifestyle adjustment, transforming them from homebodies to enthusiastic hosts, constantly engaging with customers and stakeholders. Despite the demanding hours and physical toll, the joy derived from their work is palpable. Their marketing efforts have been minimal, yet the overwhelming community support and social media presence have propelled Piggy BBQ into the spotlight, even earning Paul recognition at his full-time job at Digikey.
Their journey also involved comprehensive training and guidance from the franchise owners, who viewed their establishment as a flagship location. As they navigated the intricacies of the restaurant industry, the couple’s learning curve mirrored the franchise owners’ own evolution, creating a symbiotic relationship built on mutual support and knowledge sharing.
Future aspirations extend beyond culinary excellence; they aim to position Piggy BBQ as a destination, contribute to the revitalization of downtown Thief River Falls, and support other local businesses.
As they continue to refine their operations and expand their presence, the journey of Piggy BBQ serves as a testament to the resilience and passion of entrepreneurs, driven by the pursuit of creating something truly exceptional in Thief River Falls.
For more information on Piggy BBQ Thief River Falls, visit their Facebook page.
