Chefs Wosenyeleh Wolde worked in the hospitality industry basically all his life, from his hey days as young man in Addis Ababa where he worked different parts in the hospitality industry as a Foreign Purchasing Analyst responsible of ordering food, beverages and equipment of all 66 State owned hotels throughout the country.

To further his education, Wolde did hesitate to take the chances and the journey of his life began from Studing in Kenya, S. Africa, Germany to Florida university and get trained hospitality industry’s elite companies such as Sheraton, Marriott, Double Tree hotels to name a few. 

Wolde came to America to further his education and he first landed in Minnesota. He said that was “too cold for an African guy”, then searched warmer climate. He then went to Florida to continue his studies majoring Hospitality Management while his minor was Maritime Management.
Came back to minesota to open business but short of resources and he went back to the working world and worked as a Chef at a major hotel in Arden Hills Minnesota where he stay there for two years. 

With some savings now, Chef Wosenyeleh who had over 6 years of classical training four of which were in Germany and worked in Marriott Hotels one of which was in Florida opened his first restaurant, Queen of Sheba,  in St. Paul, in 1999. He worked there nearly a decade, until he closed down the business in 2009. Only after the business slowed down and the expenses such as rent went up. “This is the business where I met many different people and learn different cultures and it is been a learning experience for me.” Walde said

African News Journal asked Wolde about his decision to open another restaurant, this time in Minneapolis and Walde said that he had family siblings here in Twin Cities, 3 brothers and a sister & they preferred me staying here than living apart. “ Actually my plan was to go bigger Metropolitan cities such as New York or Chicago but he said majority rules in my house and I was voted out to stay, democracy in action in my house.”

Asked about his business names always include the word ‘queen’, either the first one and this second one. He said laughingly  that every house there is queen, so in the honor of those queens is the reason behind the name, Queens Grill & Coffee.” 

Menu wise, the Queens Grill, which opened its doors in the last October 15, 2010, is different than his previous restaurant, in this establishment is organized in a way that satisfy both fast food lovers or people on the go and those of us who like to sit and feel like restaurant environment. In this menu, it has more salads, sandwiches and Chef Wolde said the target now is more toward the main stream America instead of particular ethnic or group.

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Queens Grill Coffee located at the intersection of Lake st. and Minnehaha ave. next to Denny’s restaurant. Queens Grill is on Lake st., 2700 East Lake St., Minneapolis, MN 55406 Tel:(612)724-4665