Mick’s Office opened its doors in 1969 under the guidance of Jerry Mickley, who envisioned a casual, welcoming space for college students, blue-collar workers, and local residents alike. The original spot at Center Avenue and Fourth Street would later make way for the Moorhead Center Mall.

Original location of Mick’s Office

If anyone knows where the original sign is located, please contact us!

In 1973, as part of Moorhead’s urban renewal efforts, Mick’s relocated to its present home at 10 8th Street South, alongside the Burlington Northern rail line. In a move that has since become legendary, Mickley cut the bar’s iconic horseshoe-shaped counter into three pieces just to fit it into the new space—a quirky challenge that only added to the bar’s charm.

The Palmer Family Era

In 1983, Mick’s passed into the hands of Tim, Ruth, and Steve Palmer. With backgrounds in meat and glass cutting, the brothers and Ruth brought a hands-on, practical approach to the business.

“We didn’t change a thing. Whatever Jerry did, we did,” Tim Palmer said. “I give all the credit to him.”

Under the Palmers, Mick’s menu remained simple and focused: burgers, cottage fries, chicken and fish sandwiches. At the time selling 500–600 burgers weekly, the bar became a community cornerstone, especially during football season when MSUM Dragons and Cobbers fans filled the booths.

Several unique traditions flourished during this time:

  • Decorated Ceiling Tiles: Customers could leave personal artwork above the bar.
  • Signed Dollar Bills: Regulars pinned currency to the walls, creating a collection featuring bills from around the world.
  • Graffiti Walls: The walls of Mick’s Office are covered in graffiti by visitors.
  • The Gert Burger, a hamburger topped with fried onions, is named in honor of Gertrude Endahl, a beloved staff member who worked at Mick’s Office for many years.

“It really became an institution in town,” Steve Palmer said.

By 2003, the Palmers stepped back from running the day-to-day business, choosing instead to lease out the bar and building. Though the running of the business changed hands over the next 20+ years, the Palmer family’s roots at Mick’s remained strong. After Tim, Ruth, and Steve passed away, their legacy lingered within the walls of the bar they had poured their hearts into.

That legacy came full circle in October 2024, when the next generation took the reins. Sisters Ranae Schmidt, Christina Palmer, and Rachael Henning—daughters of Tim and Ruth—returned to the place they grew up in, determined to honor their family’s vision and keep Mick’s Office thriving as the welcoming landmark it has been for more than 50 years.

Owners, Sisters from left to right: Christina Palmer, Ranae Schmidt and Rachael Henning. This image was taken on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.David Olson/The Forum.

Quick Facts: Mick’s Office

  • Founded: 1969 by Jerry Mickley
  • Original Location: Center Ave & Fourth Street, Moorhead
  • Moved to Current Location: 1973
  • Purchased by Palmer Family: 1983
  • Palmer’s Leased out the business: 2003
  • Next Palmer Generation Transition: November 2024
  • Menu: Burgers, homemade frickles, chicken & fish sandwiches and cottage fries
  • Traditions: Ceiling tiles, horseshoe bar, 5 star dive bar

 

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