MINNEAPOLIS (June 1, 2017) – Minnesota-inspired restaurant FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar Minneapolis Downtown (35 S. 7th St.) announces the promotion of Keven Kvalsten to executive chef. In this role, Kvalsten is responsible for overseeing all restaurant and catering operations at the downtown FireLake location. He brings a wealth of experience as an executive chef in the Twin Cities area as well as a passion for Minnesotan cuisine.

Kvalsten has been with FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar in downtown Minneapolis since November 2016 and previously served as executive sous chef. His career as a chef began with a position as chef de cuisine at Corner Table Restaurant in 2003 where he helped design and open the restaurant. From 2005 through 2010, Kvalsten was the executive chef and co-owner of The Green Room in Waconia, Minn. His role as executive chef continued at Twisted Fork Grille/Crooked Pint and then Napa Valley Grille, where he oversaw a team of 18 people and wrote and executed menus. From May 2012 through June 2016, Kvalsten went on to serve as corporate executive chef for Republic Restaurant Group, until he found himself at FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar.

While he has always loved food and nutrition, Kvalsten found a keen interest in cooking and gourmet cuisine while living in France with a career as a professional bicycle racer. Upon returning to the United States, Kvalsten received his culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu in Mendota Heights, Minn. Kvalsten looks forward to his new role at FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar and is excited to bring his personal touch to the Minnesota-inspired menu. When he is not in the kitchen, Kvalsten enjoys spending time with his two kids.