Volsteads Emporium has been a part of the Minneapolis community for 10+ years, and in October 2025, I had the honor of becoming the new owner. As a queer woman of color, taking on this business was both a dream and a personal milestone. When I stepped in, the space needed a lot of care, attention, and change. With a lot of heart, hard work, and the support of our incredible team and loyal customers, we began rebuilding—restoring it as a warm, welcoming space where people from all walks of life could feel welcomed.
Like many small businesses in our city right now, we’ve been navigating challenges that reach beyond the usual ups and downs. The recent increase in violence from ICE activity in Minneapolis has created a sense of fear in our neighborhood, affecting how and when people feel safe gathering and supporting local spots like ours. For the safety and peace of our staff and patrons, we made the difficult decision to briefly adjust our operations by closing down for a couple days. While we are back open and welcoming guests during regular hours, the ongoing uncertainty has led to a significant decline in customers and revenue. We also foresee potentially needing to close down again (which we will be sure to keep you updated on). Even with our doors open, the slowdown has had a significant impact on our operation.
The funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward essential operating costs—covering rent, supporting our dedicated staff, replenishing supplies, and helping us stay open through this challenging moment. We also plan on hosting multiple events to support our community during this terrible time. The first event will be this coming weekend (January 24th time 1pm-3pm CT). This event will be a 'Street Medic Workshop' designed to equip community members with basic skills to provide aid while on the ground. A portion of your donations will go towards this event and also creating street medic kits to give out to participants.
Volsteads Emporium is more than just a bar/restaurant; It’s a place designed to foster connection, belonging, and safety-- we are deeply committed to keeping it that way. If you’re able to contribute, any amount truly helps. If you’re not in a position to give, sharing this fundraiser is just as meaningful. Thank you for supporting small businesses, standing with our community, and helping us keep Volsteads Emporium here for years to come.
With gratitude,
Bessie Snow