S6:E6 - Foodies, Families and Unexpected Paths with Shawn and Aiden Ulmer
- cassidy.a.johnston
- 24 minutes ago
- 4 min read
This episode features a local Oakes father/son duo and we’re so excited to introduce them to you! Shawn and Aiden Ulmer of the Angry Beaver Lodge share the story of a third-generation restaurant business and the unexpected path that brought Aiden back to Oaks. They discuss generational transitions, evolving bar culture, and the role local businesses play in creating community. This is a conversation about what draws people back to small towns and the active role communities can play in facilitating it.
About Shawn and Aiden:
Shawn grew up in Valley City, ND. He fell in love with the restaurant industry while helping at the steakhouse his parents owned for most of his childhood. His entire life has been spent in the service industry. His love of food, drinks, and people makes him a natural. This fall marks his 25th year as the owner of the Angry Beaver Lodge in Oakes.
On the off chance that Shawn is not at work prepping, creating new menu items, chatting up the customers, or catering a wedding reception, you will find him cheering on his beloved MN Vikings, sitting in a deer stand with his bow at the ready, or spoiling his granddaughters.
Shawn’s youngest son, Aiden (aka Chili), accepted the position of Front of the House Manager at the Angry Beaver Lodge this past September.
Aiden was born and raised in Oakes; attended college at NDSU and the U of M. He spent a few years living in Fargo and in the heart of New York City, and loved having an abundance of entertainment, eateries, & nightlife at his fingertips. Like his dad, he grew up in the restaurant. Chili shares many of his dad’s traits, including his father’s deep voice (people love to hear his “Shawn impersonation”) and his love of conversation, which makes Aiden a natural behind the bar.
The transition back to Oakes and small town life was made easier by the number of friends who had also returned, the welcoming and progressive community, and the short distance to visit his brother & nieces. His love of travel & exploration has already taken him all over the world; if he’s not busy whipping up a new cocktail recipe, he’s undoubtedly planning his next trip.
In this episode, we cover:
How a third-generation restaurant family is navigating a new generational transition.
Why younger generations are going out less (and what bars and restaurants are doing about it.)
How craft cocktails, events, and experiences are replacing traditional bar culture.
What actually brings young people back to small towns.
Why community gathering places like restaurants matter more than we think.
Links + Resources Mentioned:
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