FARGO — Nearly three months after becoming the new owner of the Toasted Frog in downtown Fargo, Ryan Langerud says he finds moments of affirmation mixed with some challenging realizations.

The former include the times when customers tell him after enjoying a meal that it was clear to them the staff really care.

The latter, he said, include things like payroll taxes.

But on the whole, Langerud said he's pleased to be a part of what he describes as the rich tapestry of eateries and other businesses that comprise downtown Fargo

Langerud said he was living his version of a surfer's life in California when his mother called him to inform him the Toasted Frog was closing.

Langerud said he was instantly curious.

Decades ago, he had worked with the Toasted Frog's owners — Jonathan Holth and

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