A new sign is coming to a downtown Bismarck restaurant space. Joe's Italian Restaurant is moving into the former Toasted Frog space at 124 North 4th Street, near 4th Street and Broadway Avenue, according to KFYR-TV and the local radio outlet us1033.com, which both reported the move in mid-September.

Neither outlet has reported an opening date. Anyone hoping to eat there should watch for an announcement rather than expect a specific date soon.

The building has sat empty since The Toasted Frog's Bismarck location closed permanently in April 2023, KFYR-TV reported at the time. The corner spot is a short walk from other downtown restaurants and bars along 4th Street.

Joe's Italian Restaurant already operates locations in Minot and Grand Forks, according to KFYR-TV and us1033.com. That would make Bismarck its third open North Dakota location; Methasani has also said locations in Dickinson and Williston are planned, according to KFYR-TV's earlier report. Owner Ardo Methasani told KFYR-TV, in an earlier report on the Minot opening, that the chain's first restaurant opened in Texas before it expanded into North Dakota. "You guys don't have a real Italian restaurant here, that's why we came," Methasani said, according to that report. The Minot location opened in April 2026, KFYR-TV reported, and Methasani said top sellers at the chain's other restaurants typically include spaghetti and meatballs and fettuccini.

Us1033.com described Joe's as known for the warm rolls served with every dish and for its wine list, in addition to its pasta menu.

What that means for downtown Bismarck for now is a storefront in transition rather than a restaurant ready to seat guests. KFYR-TV and us1033.com both reported that work on an opening timeline had not been shared publicly as of their reports. Once Joe's or the city releases a firm date, that will determine when diners can walk into the North 4th Street space for the first time since 2023.

For now, residents curious about the new arrival can watch Joe's Italian Restaurant's own channels and local news coverage for an opening announcement, and check the Minot and Grand Forks locations' menus for a preview of what might land on North 4th Street.