My 605: James Gaspar

What’s home unless you make it your own? My 605 takes you inside the lives, loves and little secrets of those who call South Dakota – area code 605 – home.

This week’s My 605 features James Gaspar, a business development specialist at Interstate Office Products, and owner of pigeon Peter.

My home in the 605 is: My wife, two kids and I call the Candlelight neighborhood home – right between Bakker and Galway parks, just north of Tea.

The biggest reason I live in the 605 is: Sioux Falls is the perfect environment for a young family. We have great people, great parks and activities, a thriving downtown and short commutes!

After home, I spend the most time here: Downtown Sioux Falls! I just love all the coffee shops, restaurants and retail.

When I need to get away, you’ll find me: My zen time often comes at any of the great DTSF coffee shops: Coffea, Josiah’s or The Source!

The best meal I ever ate in the 605 was at: It’s hard to beat the classics. I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad experience at Minervas. The service and the food are always on point.

My go-to coffee shop is: Coffea on 10th and Phillips. It’s a two-minute walk from my office, and the staff are excellent!

My favorite place to grab an adult beverage in the 605 is: I don’t drink, but The Treasury does a great job at craft NA cocktails!

When I need to experience the great outdoors, you’ll find me: Probably at a golf course! GreatLIFE, municipal or country club, Sioux Falls’ offerings for golf are amazing!

The spot I’d recommend for a date is: Carnaval Brazilian Grill is our go-to. Who doesn’t love all-you-can-eat meat???

The best pizza in the 605 is: Fiero Pizza is without a doubt the best pizza in Sioux Falls. The staff are great too!

When my friends and I get together, you’ll probably find us: At any of the great bars, coffee shops or restaurants downtown, or Great Shots!

The place you never can go wrong taking kids is: The Great Plains Zoo is the best place to take young kids in Sioux Falls. My son loves saying hi to all the animals, listening to the singing dogs, watching the bears play and feeding the goats!

When I want to meet new people in the 605 I go: The Sioux Falls Young Professionals Network! I’ve met so many great friends through the YPN. If you’ve aged out, you can also meet great new people in the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. 😉

My best memory in the 605 is: I had the opportunity to help put on an awesome event benefiting the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House called Taste the Goodness in 2020. We had tons of local food vendors, a variety of beer and wine, and incredible support from our community to step up and raise money for a good cause despite adverse business conditions as a result of the pandemic. It was amazing the level of giving we experienced in the face of so much uncertainty. It’s an event I enjoyed attending in prior years, and having the opportunity to help plan it was so much fun.

The one thing I’m least crazy about in the 605 is: While Sioux Falls is almost perfect, it’s hard to ignore the cold, wind and snow. I’m glad my parents have become snowbirds so we can go visit Grandma and Grandpa in Arizona in the wintertime. 😊

And finally, life in pictures. Here are the top three photos that most sum up My 605: Family, friends and fun! It’s impossible not to love life in the 605.

Know someone who should be featured in My 605? Email info@pigeon605.com.