Bringing Small-Town Roots and Big Flavor to Fargo

At 701 Eateries, we’re all about celebrating the heart and soul of the Midwest—through food, stories, and meaningful partnerships. That’s why we’re thrilled to collaborate with Sonder Bakehouse, a Fargo-based bakery driven by passion, purpose, and a whole lot of heart. This partnership is more than just about serving great desserts—it’s about honoring our shared small-town North Dakota roots, supporting mission-driven local businesses, and giving back to the global community.

---

Sonder Bakehouse: Baked with Purpose

Founded by Kayla Houchin, Sonder Bakehouse is more than just a bakery—it’s a place where community and compassion come together through the art of baking. Kayla’s love affair of baking stemmed from a hobby that she grew up doing where she supplied sweet treats to every birthday party, holiday event, school function and even the local restaurant-T bones. It eventually became her business that is dedicated to giving back.

Kayla’s impact doesn’t stop at the local level—her passion for giving back extends globally through her work with Charity: Water, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries.By supporting Charity: Water, Kayla ensures that Sonder Bakehouse’s success also contributes to life-changing access to clean water for those in need, making every pastry served a part of a greater mission.

---

From Fessenden to Fargo: A Small-Town Connection

Part of what makes this collaboration so special is the shared small-town roots between Kayla and two of 701 Eateries co-owners, Shelby Terstriep, Alex Belquist and Eric Myhre. Both grew up just 20 miles apart—Kayla in Fessenden, ND, and Shelby and Alex in New Rockford and Eric Myhre in Sheyenne, ND.

These neighboring small towns, tucked into the heart of North Dakota, share the values of hard work, kindness, and hospitality—values that both Kayla and the 701 eateries owners carried with them into their culinary ventures. This partnership is a celebration of those shared roots, bringing small-town heart to Fargo’s food scene.

---

Midwest Brownie with Puppy Chow Crumbles: Nostalgic Perfection

One of the standout treats from this collaboration is the Midwest Brownie with Puppy Chow Crumbles—a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of Midwestern comfort food.

The base is a rich, fudgy brownie, made with premium chocolate for an irresistibly dense and gooey texture. On top, you’ll find crispy, chocolate-coated Puppy Chow crumbles, adding a playful crunch and nostalgic flair. For those who grew up in the Midwest, Puppy Chow (also known as Muddy Buddies) is a familiar treat made from Chex cereal coated in chocolate, peanut butter, and powdered sugar—a potluck staple that sparks memories of family gatherings and after-school snacks. It just happens to be the most asked for treat at Christmas time. 

The combination of the decadent brownie and the crunchy, sweet-salty topping creates a dessert that is both elevated and comfortingly familiar—a perfect representation of this collaboration.

---

Supporting Local, One Bite at a Time

At 701 Eateries, we believe in sourcing locally and collaborating with businesses that share our values. By partnering with Sonder Bakehouse, we’re not just offering a delicious dessert—we’re celebrating the spirit of North Dakota, supporting a mission-driven business, and even contributing to global change through Kayla’s work with Charity: Water.

Next time you’re at Prairie Kitchen, be sure to try the Midwest Brownie with Puppy Chow Crumbles—and know that with every bite, you’re supporting local flavors, small-town roots, and a mission that makes a difference.

 Here’s to sweet collaborations and even sweeter desserts! 

Wanna help the mission of Charity: Water? You can join in on the good work by attending the Gala at the Pines on May 14th! Get your tickets today! Sonder Bakehouse