Brookings, South Dakota – A Brookings institution is turning the page.
Nick’s Hamburger Shop, which has been in downtown Brookings for over 96 years, is now under new management.
The restaurant has been in Brookings since 1929, and many customers have stopped by for burgers.
Todd Fergun’s family has owned the restaurant since 2004, with Todd personally owning it for more than half of that time, until recently.
“12 years I’ve been here, so time does go by fast,” laughed Fergun.
It has received national attention throughout its nearly century-long history.
Its appeal stems from its simplicity.
“Tradition. It is the meeting place for everyone. It’s where the governor, senators, and professional football players stop, and you never know who will walk through the door. People from Madrid, Barcelona, Italy, and Brazil are unknown, which is what makes it unique. “Everybody can talk in there and converse,” said new owner Justin Price.
Justin Price has extensive restaurant management experience, having previously owned downtown restaurants such as George’s Pizza.
Fergun is still working there to ensure that the staff and community are comfortable with the new owner, but he understands what makes Nick’s iconic.
“The thing is, everyone expects us to change it because change is inevitable, but we’ll keep Nick’s the same. Everybody is used to it. It’s simple, easy, and refreshing. “Every day, we get the buns in,” Price said.
Todd’s father will always be remembered in Nick’s life, but he can now begin to live again.
“The last 12 years, I’ve been scared to even drive out of town, so I’ve got some life to live and want to take care of some family things and so on,” pointed out Fergun.
Fergun will retire once the community and staff are comfortable with the changes.
He is most looking forward to fishing and renovating his home.
