My 605: Jesse Fonkert

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 edition features Jesse Fonkert, president and CEO of the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance and owner of pigeon Piglet.

My home in the 605 is: I am a proud product of Mobridge, South Dakota, but my wife, Kelsey, and I call the growing city of Hartford our home.

The biggest reason I live in the 605 is: Rick’s Salt! If you haven’t visited Rick’s Cafe in Mobridge, you haven’t lived yet. Rick Christmas has operated the main street cafe for decades and has concocted his own special seasoning, Rick’s Salt.

We put it on almost everything: eggs, steak, chicken, pork and popcorn, just to name a few. He also serves the best chicken tortilla soup in the state and some of the best Indian tacos you’ll ever taste. I believe in Rick’s Salt so much that I gave it to each of my groomsmen in my wedding party. What other state can call Rick’s Salt home? None!

After home, I spend the most time here: While it’s only open Thursday through Sunday, Buffalo Ridge Brewing in Hartford is one of my favorite spots in the metro. My wife works there part time, so you’ll often find me bugging her at the bar or enjoying some of the best craft beer in the state!

We’re big supporters of Buffalo Ridge Brewing. Chris Tuschen and company helped us brew a special beer, dubbed Lord Fonkwit, for our wedding that even made it onto the tap wall for several years. In March of 2020, my wife brewed an Irish red ale for St. Patrick’s Day called Ode to Zo. She worked with the brewers to develop the recipe and helped with the entire process.

When I need to get away, you’ll find me: Crossing off states from my list! My goal is to visit all 50 states before I turn 31. We just crossed Texas off my list with a visit to Austin in May. I am proud to have visited 45 states so far and have Idaho, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Alaska and Hawaii left to explore. In October, we will be crossing off Oklahoma when we run the Oklahoma City Memorial Half-Marathon. My wife and I also plan to visit ever state capitol and all of our national parks, which will keep us busy for years to come! Here we are in Glacier National Park in Montana last September.

The best meal I ever ate in the 605 was at: ‘O’ So Good in Garretson! My wife and I love taking friends and family to visit Chef Omar. Our first visit happened early in 2020, and without hesitation, I ordered the Chef Challenge, which is now my go-to order. For $20, the chef prepares a meal just for you. In my first order, I received pork belly served on a plate of spouts, bacon, sausage and potatoes in a cream sauce. Absolutely amazing!

My go-to coffee shop is: When I’m working from home, you’ll often find me hanging out at Stomping Grounds in Hartford, which serves Coffea coffee. They also have a great selection of breakfast sandwiches, paninis and SDSU Ice Cream!

I’ve recently started swinging by Kingbird Coffee in Brandon, which, as far as I know, is the only coffee shop in South Dakota that serves Duluth Coffee Co. products!

My favorite place to grab an adult beverage in the 605 is: Downtown Sioux Falls! I know it’s a cop-out, but there are so many great places to visit with an awesome selection of patios. One of my favorite evenings includes a visit to Bin201/Stogeez during the summer when they have live music in the parking lot. Nothing quite like a cigar, bourbon and good conversation while relishing in the tunes of live jazz during good weather.

When I need to experience the great outdoors, you’ll find me: Visiting the Black Hills of South Dakota!

We try to get out there three to four times per year and love spending time in Custer, Deadwood and Spearfish. Our perfect day includes a hike up Black Elk Peak, formerly known as Harney Peak, lunch at the Sugar Shack, happy hour at Miner Brewing and dinner at Black Hills Burger & Bun. We also love hiking around Spearfish Canyon, Lake Sylvan and wherever else we can find!

The spot I’d recommend for a date is: The best date spot in the 605 has to be the Hartford Steak Co. Tavern. Weeknights feature a filet mignon dinner for $10.95, which includes 6 ounces of the best filet you’ve ever had, a baked potato, French bread and a wedge salad. They also offer a full bar selection, including an affordable wine list.

My wife and I visit here several times a month. Our relationship with the servers has also gotten to the point that we have a table of choice — No. 36 — and our orders memorized. Hartford Steak Co. Tavern also has the best hot beef sandwich in the state!

The best pizza in the 605 is: Often referred to as the City Bar, the Main Street Bar in Humboldt is home to the best pizza in the metro. Their thin-crust pizza is made from scratch, and their options are endless. My favorite is the chicken alfredo!

When my friends and I get together, you’ll probably find us: Enjoying the outdoors of the Midwest! During the summer, we take an annual canoe trip to Moody County. We check out the River of the Double Bend Campground in Trent. They haul you up to Egan, where you can hop on the Big Sioux and float back down to Trent.

This year, we made our first pilgrimage to Custer for the Burning of the Beetle. Nothing says South Dakota like marching through a neighborhood with torches to set a wooden beetle on fire as a fundraiser for the arts!

The place you never can go wrong taking kids is: Good Earth State Park at Blood Run just outside of Harrisburg. They have an awesome interactive experience along the trails where kids — and adults — can learn about local wildlife and South Dakota. Their visitor center also hosts several interesting exhibits about the history of the site and Native Americans in South Dakota. While I don’t have kids, our dog, Zoey, loves going out there and walking around!

When I want to meet new people in the 605 I go: I am a proud graduate of the Leadership South Dakota class of 2020-2021. While it’s only seven months long, I’ve met some of the coolest people in our state!

My best memory in the 605 is: My wedding weekend – October 2018. Aside from the honor of marrying my wife, it was a pleasure to host family and friends from across the country in the place that we call home. We hosted our rehearsal dinner at the Hartford Steak Co. Tavern, ceremony at St. John American Lutheran Church, a party bus visit to our alma mater, Augustana, and our reception at The District!

The one thing I’m least crazy about in the 605 is: This is kind of weird, but I think we’re the only state in the union without an Amtrak connection or passenger rail.

And finally, life in pictures. The three that sum up my 605 life are: