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Bessie Snow is the owner of Volstead's Emporium. A queer artist, producer, and hospitality entrepreneur originally from Los Angeles, California, she has been an active member of the Twin Cities arts community since 2021.
As a woman of Japanese and Black heritage, Snow's cultural background shapes her approach to hospitality, entertainment, and community-building. She believes hospitality is an act of care and that gathering spaces play an essential role in building community, preserving culture, and creating a sense of belonging.
Fun fact: despite being a fixture in the nightlife scene and performing burlesque in front of packed audiences, Snow is naturally introverted and remarkably shy.
Bessie Snow
Owner/General Manager
management@volsteads.com
Chef Trevon James
Head Chef
chef@volsteads.com
With more than eight years of experience in fine dining and Michelin-level kitchens, Chef Trevon James has built his career around a deep respect for culinary tradition, a passion for creativity, and an unwavering commitment to the guest experience.
Chef James graduated from Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts in Boulder, Colorado, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts and Food Science. He went on to complete an externship at a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Napa Valley, California, where he developed an appreciation for the precision, discipline, and hospitality required at the highest levels of fine dining.
After returning to Minneapolis, Chef James continued to refine his craft in some of the city’s most respected restaurants before taking his experience to Chicago at Alinea, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant recognized for its creativity and innovation, where he also lends his time.
At Volstead’s, Chef James’s vision is to honor the foundations of French technique while pushing them in a modern, nouvelle direction that feels fresh, personal, and distinctly his own. His approach to cooking is thoughtful and refined without being overly complicated, with every dish designed to tell a story and create a meaningful connection with the guest.
As a chef and leader, Chef James believes a great kitchen should have a strong sense of identity, creativity, and purpose. He strives to build an environment where classical technique provides the foundation, while his team is encouraged to think creatively, contribute their ideas, and grow together.
For Chef James, cooking has always been about more than what is on the plate. It is about creating an intimate atmosphere, delivering genuine hospitality, and giving every guest an experience that feels truly special. His goal is to create the kind of dining experience that draws people in—not just once, but again and again
Pete is an accomplished musician in the Twin Cities and joined as the booker at Volstead’s in January of 2026. He has a love for the musical community here in the Twin Cities and his musical interests range from jazz, singer-songwriters to classical music.