Entrepreneur Launched No Forks Pizza Pop-up

A Grand Forks local began selling New York-style slices using portable ovens at area events.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Entrepreneur Launched No Forks Pizza Pop-up

Live Poll

Would you prefer to buy food from a local pop-up restaurant over a brick-and-mortar business?

In September 2026, resident Branden Kuersteiner launched No Forks Pizza, a pop-up business serving New York-style pizza by the slice. Kuersteiner operates the venture out of a commissary at Bully Brew on South Columbia.

Why it matters

Kuersteiner started the business to address a local lack of New York-style pizza options after friends and neighbors praised his test batches. The venture allows him to pursue his culinary passion alongside his role at American Crystal.

The business has operated for six weeks, with Kuersteiner drawing on 10 years of experience working in New York pizza establishments. He has successfully converted this expertise into 1,000 Facebook followers gained in just four days.

The players

Branden Kuersteiner

He is the founder of No Forks Pizza and an employee at American Crystal.

The details

Kuersteiner prepares his dough and sauce recipes in a rented commercial kitchen before cooking the pizzas at high temperatures in portable ovens. The operation has appeared at various community locations, including an event in Fisher, Minnesota, and the Empire Arts Center in Grand Forks.

Kuersteiner moved to Grand Forks 13 years ago.
No Forks Pizza appeared at Fisher Landing Day in late June 2026.
The business appeared at the Empire Alive event on October 10, 2026.

Market Landscape

This venture follows the industry pattern of using low-overhead pop-ups to gauge consumer interest before committing to permanent commercial real estate. By utilizing commissary spaces and portable equipment, Kuersteiner positions his brand to compete with established local dining options without the immediate burden of high rent.

Residents can access new pizza options at rotating pop-up locations across the city and surrounding areas. This provides local diners with a unique alternative to existing pizza restaurants, though availability remains dependent on the current event schedule.

The takeaway

Starting a niche food business as a pop-up can be an effective way to test local demand with minimal initial investment. Aspiring entrepreneurs should leverage community feedback and social media growth to validate their concept before scaling to a full-time trailer or restaurant.