If you’re hungry for a Dutch Pot Roast Sandwich served warm on potato bread with side of “sap” and wash it down with a Pink Buffalo all with a historical twist, you must travel to the Heritage Snack Shack cleverly hidden in Moorhead’s Hjemkomst Center. Other inspired dishes include the Hefty Helga and the Minnesota Wrap, which is served with the signature wild rice filling.

The creator of such imaginative cuisine is former Hjemkomst Center board of director member Kelly Wambach. Kelly may be soft spoken, but he certainly has an ear for listening to his customers. Because of their comments, Kelly quickly added soups and light sandwiches for the lunch-on-the-go crowd, as well as fresh-baked goods for dessert or coffee break. Soon to follow was catering services for several group events at the Hjemkomst Center. Many of the successes since the reopening of the Snack Shack in May of 2013 are because of his efforts.

Kelly is well known in our community for his food service experience. He graduated from Moorhead High School and completed the two-year chef training and restaurant management courses at MAVTI – now known as the Minnesota State Community College.

Just a few of his restaurant experiences in the Moorhead and Fargo area include the Northwood Chalet, Owner; The Tree Top, Executive Chef; The Viking Oaks, Executive Chef; and the Doublewood Inn, Executive Chef. He also worked for Baer’s House of Quality and Conlin’s Furniture in sales and as a design consultant. From 1994 to 2004 he co-owned the Old Market Antique Shop in Moorhead.

Originally, the Snack Shack had a summer focus but the demand and interest led to year-long hours. An intriguing point regarding the Snack Shack customer base is they are not tourists but residents. Kelly estimates that approximately 80 per cent of his patrons are from the immediate area. One possible explanation is that it is one of the few eating establishments on the north side of Moorhead. That may be one of the reasons why, but the rapport that he has with the customers or friends as he refers to them has more of a draw than just location.

That rapport also extends to the many volunteers who are essential to the operation of the Snack Shack and at the Heritage Gift shop, which Kelly has managed since May of 2012. He is quick to recognize the enormous contributions of the time, energy, and resources they bring are critically important to the success of both the Snack Shop and the Gift Center. Not only do the volunteers bring energy and enthusiasm, but they also increase the community’s ownership of the Hjemkomst Center explained Kelly. He also added that recognizing and thanking volunteers is very important, which is why a “Volunteer Appreciation Event” is held annually at the Center.

Kelly expressed appreciation to the public as well, because all proceeds from the Heritage Snack Shop support the exhibits and programs of the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County. He extends his invitation to come on in for lunch or coffee and, of course, to visit the Gift Shop.

Snack Shack open Tuesday to Fridays

11:30 to 3:00 pm

Lunch served 11:30 to 1:30 pm