One World Coffee House

The One World Coffee House was a coffee shop & performance space founded by Dr. Stanley Dienst in 1989 in Bismarck. Dr. Dienst and his son Brad were involved in running the venue. It was located at 208 E. Broadway downtown, right next door to the US Bank offices.

Quite a few events were held here, such as lectures and presentations regarding such topics as world peace, activism, and other socially relevant topics, as well as other presentations such as healing with touch, yoga, and what not. One World also held movie nights featuring lesser-known, and dare I say "arthouse" films (they had a huge Pioneer big-screen tv in the corner), with discussion following. Paintings and other artwork from local and regional artists were displayed on the walls of One World, usually available for sale.

But the venue was home to many bands from Bismarck and elsewhere all throughout the 90s. Almost all local bands in Bismarck at the time (i.e. The Quaranteens, Actar 911, Drevlow's Disciples, Eat Sinking Teacups), as well as bands from Fargo, Minot, and elsewhere in the state, performed there. Also, thanks to the help and keen savvy of the program director of One World at the time, Brian Palecek, many an artist & band from Seattle & Olympia (Washington, of course) also performed there whilst on tour, some examples including none other than Beat Happening, Some Velvet Sidewalk, and many others associated with labels like K and Kill Rock Stars.

The venue was purchased sometime around 2003-04 from Dr. Dienst by Gary & Sharon Dire, who previously ran the Green Earth Cafe from within One World prior to the sale. Afterwards, the whole venue was renamed the Green Earth Cafe, and was remodeled & expanded over into an adjacent storefront next door. Shortly afterwards though, it closed down due to a lack of business to keep the expanded operation sustainable. Today, the women's clothing & gift boutique known as "Urban Girl" now occupies the storefronts where the One World Coffee House/Green Earth Cafe once stood.