By Darlene Brace
Downtown Jamestown continues to revitalize, as several new businesses have opened their doors. One exciting new addition set to open in the local bar and restaurant scene is a venue called Raven & Rune, which will be at the spot that formerly housed the Beer Snob at 318 Washington Street. Once it opens, Raven & Rune promises to be a fantastic spot for delicious and unique dining, as well as a vibrant entertainment venue.
This building, which previously housed the former Vikings ballroom, was recently purchased by Steve Shelters. Steve, a local who grew up in Kennedy and attended Falconer High School, is the owner and operator of Ace’s Up Construction. Years ago, he attended his high school prom in the upstairs Vikings ballroom, and he has been interested in the building ever since.
Steve bought the building in April 2025 with plans to renovate the old Vikings ballroom upstairs, along with the rest of the building. However, he decided to start his renovations by transforming the former Beer Snob into a new tavern. He has been renovating the building for the past few months, and it is almost ready to open, as he is currently putting on some finishing touches. Steve hopes to have this new business, called Raven & Rune, open for customers in the next few weeks, but he is waiting for the liquor license to arrive.
The manager of Raven & Rune is Kyle Rahr, also a local from the Kennedy area, and he will work closely with the amazing cook, Chantel Thomas. With her years of extensive experience alongside various chefs and her love for exploring diverse cuisines, Chantel has crafted a menu that’s all about comfort food with a twist. She believes in creating dishes that feel familiar and inviting but with that special touch to make them extra special and refined.
The menu follows the Viking theme, and when Raven & Rune opens, it will feature a variety of appetizers like Viking Bites and Raven Spread, a variety of burgers, personal sized pizzas, and some other unique dishes. They will also serve chicken wings, including the Fowl Temptress, which consists of a flight of wings that allows you to sample different flavors.
In the back of the building, there is a stage that will be perfect for showcasing live music. In the near future, Steve hopes to host a variety of entertainment options, including solo performances, duos, and bands and is planning to include hosting open mic nights, private events, comedy shows, wine tastings, and more.
When asked about the name “Raven & Rune,” Steve explained that he wanted the new business to carry on the Viking tradition with a Nordic theme inspired by Odin, a Norse mythological god who had two ravens as followers. These ravens were known for their association with thought and memory, reminding us to look ahead while not forgetting the past. Steve mentioned, “The name itself was chosen to honor the history of the building, which once served as an old Viking club. We aimed to respect that story by incorporating the Viking theme into the restaurant’s design, creating a darker, cozier atmosphere, and naming menu items accordingly. Together, the name and the food create a unique experience that is deeply connected to the character of the space.”
Eventually, Steve plans to restore the upper floors including the ballroom and the second floor that used to serve as the Vikings club. Steve continued, “Back in its day, the club was a place for people to gather, share stories, and celebrate together. That’s the same spirit I hope to carry on as Raven & Rune will feature good food, a full bar, and a spot where everyone feels welcome.” The upper floors would be used for a venue for party rentals, comedy shows, weddings, and other private events.
So, keep an eye out for this brand-new tavern to open soon, that has a Nordic theme that will be woven throughout the entire restaurant and building. If you’re looking for a great new spot to enjoy some delicious unique foods, refreshing drinks, and fun entertainment, this will be the place to be. Raven & Rune is definitely on board with being a key player in make dining and entertainment even better in the downtown Jamestown area.