New Fargo coffee shop will feature viral fruit dessert and Vietnamese coffee

The aroma of rich, robust coffee and the playful shapes of fruit-shaped mousse desserts are about to add a new layer of charm to Fargo’s culinary scene. Tan Tran and Sophie Le are opening Crème Coffee & Pastry later this month, bringing a unique blend of Vietnamese coffee and sweet treats to the Fargo-Moorhead area. It’s more than just a new place to grab a cup; it's a vision born from a desire to create a space for community and introduce the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese coffee culture to our corner of North Dakota.

What Happened

Crème Coffee & Pastry, located at 2911 45th St. S., will hold a soft opening on November 19th, followed by a grand opening on November 21st. The married owners, Tan Tran and Sophie Le, have poured months of effort into transforming a previously vacant commercial space into a welcoming coffee shop. The soft opening will be followed by a grand opening on November 21st. During the grand opening, 15% of net proceeds will be donated to the Great Plains Food Bank to feed local children.

Tan Tran, a local real estate agent, and Sophie Le, a radiology professional at Sanford Health, are partnering to create a coffee shop that goes beyond the typical quick cup. The pair has been renovating the commercial space “down to the dirt,” traveling across the country – attending coffee conventions in San Diego, Florida, and Las Vegas – and even returning to Vietnam to refine their offerings. “Vietnamese coffee is very rich,” Sophie Le explained. “Good flavor and smooth.” They’ve also partnered with a bakery near Minneapolis to offer unique, viral fruit-shaped mousse desserts, featuring flavors like mango, lemon, strawberry, Dubai chocolate pistachio, and coffee.

Community Reaction

The owners hope their venture will introduce more people to Vietnamese coffee and provide a unique coffee experience. “We want you to take… and enjoy the flavor,” Tran said. The shop will focus on consistency, ensuring the same quality drink is available throughout the week. “We want consistency,” Tran stated. “Monday, you drink the same coffee you’re going to have on Saturday, and you’ll be able to enjoy it both times.” The owners are clearly passionate about introducing Vietnamese coffee to a wider audience and creating a gathering place for the community.

The menu will feature Vietnamese coffee – a blend of robusta and arabica beans for a balance of strength and aroma – alongside espresso drinks, matcha drinks, fruit teas, Italian sodas, and pastries. Rather than relying on flavored syrups, Vietnamese coffee traditionally gets much of its sweetness from condensed milk, Le explained. The menu will also feature other pastries, a selection of ice cream and the viral fruit-shaped mousse desserts — 3D-sculpted desserts that look and taste like fruit.

The Owners’ Backgrounds

Tan Tran, a local real estate agent, played a crucial role in the shop’s creation, overseeing the complete renovation of the commercial space. Sophie Le, who works as a radiologist at Sanford in Fargo, brings her own expertise and dedication to the venture. Her experience includes studying radiology at North Dakota State University and completing an internship at Sanford in Bismarck. Tran also has a background in the medical field, having previously worked as a pharmacy technician in Texas, later holding positions with Blue Cross and Wells Fargo before becoming a real estate agent. Their combined experiences and commitment highlight their desire to contribute positively to the Fargo-Moorhead community.

What's Next

The soft opening on November 19th will provide a chance for the owners to fine-tune operations and gather initial feedback. The grand opening on November 21st promises a celebratory atmosphere and a chance to support the Great Plains Food Bank. The planned drive-thru, expected to open a few weeks after the grand opening, will further expand accessibility and convenience for customers. Crème Coffee & Pastry plans to be open every day except Wednesday, initially from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with potential for later Sunday openings and extended morning hours once the drive-thru is operational.

Crème Coffee & Pastry is connected to Dreamland Fargo, an indoor playground that Tran and Le also own. The idea for the coffee and pastry shop partly came from Dreamland customers who wanted a nearby place to get coffee and treats while their children played. The businesses will have an interior connection, allowing customers to move between the two without going outside. The owners are working on soundproofing the connecting area to minimize noise from the playground. Inspired by Dreamland’s family-focused atmosphere, Crème Coffee and Pastry will also offer a selection of kids' drinks and ice cream.

Jenna's Take

What excites me most about Crème Coffee & Pastry isn’t just the delicious-sounding coffee and those incredibly artistic fruit desserts, but the heart behind it. Tan and Sophie’s commitment to family, community, and introducing something new and authentic to Fargo is truly admirable. In a world increasingly dominated by chain stores and fleeting trends, it’s refreshing to see entrepreneurs building something with such clear values. The connection to Dreamland speaks volumes about their desire to create a space where families can connect and enjoy quality time together – something we all cherish. I think it’s vital that we support businesses like this, businesses that prioritize relationships and offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The smaller cup sizes, encouraging customers to savor the flavor, is a lovely reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures.

The interior design features large windows, white-hued floors and walls, and marble tables, creating a bright and airy space. A booth with succulents sits near the center of the shop, offering customers a place to sit while they wait for their drinks inside. Because of a stronger coffee blend, Crème cup sizes are smaller, as the coffee is intended to be sipped slowly.

Resources

For more information on Crème Coffee & Pastry, visit their Facebook page. To learn more about the Great Plains Food Bank, visit their website.

Crème Coffee & Pastry represents more than just a new coffee shop; it embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship, community, and the enduring appeal of a well-crafted cup of coffee. As they prepare to open their doors, Fargo-Moorhead residents can look forward to a new destination for connection, delicious treats, and a taste of Vietnamese culture.