Minot, N.D. – On Veterans Day, the newly founded Bunker Bar & Grill opened its doors across from the state fairgrounds, turning the former Ground Round space into a gathering place for military members, veterans, first responders and the broader community.
Founders’ Vision
Co‑founders Rahul Sharma and Jayesh Modha, both longtime Minot residents, said the restaurant was created to do more than simply say “thank you” for the sacrifices that protect our freedoms. “We wanted to not just say thank you for your service to the men and women who actually bring us this freedom that we all enjoy, we wanted to do something more than that,” Sharma explained.
To that end, the Bunker features a “Wall of Honors” near the entrance where patrons can submit personal stories that are displayed on a television screen and posted on the restaurant’s website. “Our intention is to recognize everyone who serves our country and our community,” Modha added.
Menu Tailored to Service Members
The menu was shaped with input from active‑duty service members, who told the founders which home‑cooked dishes they missed most after deployment. General Manager Lana Berman said, “It was always something their mom or their grandmother made, and it wasn’t anything fancy, just good American comfort food, and we’re proud to offer that.”
Patriotic nods appear throughout the menu, with items such as the “Rifle Ribeye” and “Sniper Sirloin.” The Bunker also sources all beef from North Dakota farms and vegetables from U.S. growers, emphasizing local supply chains.
Special Offers for Those Who Serve
To honor service members, the restaurant is offering a free B‑52 burger to the first 50 guests on the opening Wednesday. In addition, active‑duty and retired military personnel receive a 15 % discount year‑round.
“Anything we can do to recognize our veterans and community heroes, we will do the best we can,” Modha said. “The true heroes and treasures of our country are not the people you see on TV or the sports, it’s actually who fight the war that gives us the ability to enjoy the freedoms that we have.”
Hours and Future Plans
The Bunker will be open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sharma and Modha hope the venue will become a lasting tribute to those who protect the nation and a hub for community connection.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
