News From Rochester’s Chester’s Kitchen & Bar About Gift Cards

43% of us in the United States have at least one unused gift card in our wallets or stashed somewhere in our homes.  On my fridge right now, I’ve got 4…and one is for a place in Rochester, Minnesota that I’ll need to use up real fast.

If you love Chester’s Kitchen & Bar, a note was just posted today on their Facebook page that you’ll want to check out.  It’s got a bit of really amazing local news inside, but also some info for those of us who love to hoard gift cards.

READ MORE: Top 8 Restaurants in Rochester, MN with the Best French Fries

Heads Up – If You’ve Got Gift Cards To Chester’s Kitchen & Bar In Rochester, Minnesota

Every time that I go to Chester’s Kitchen & Bar, I order the same thing – the meatloaf.  It is so delicious!  If you’ve never had it, put this on your MUST TRY list right now.  And if you’ve got a gift card to Chester’s at 111 Broadway Ave. S #108, maybe go ASAP because, according to their Facebook post today, time is ticking on those cards.

A quick update from Chester’s Kitchen & Bar:
Since March 2025, Chester’s has proudly been under new local ownership. As we continue transitioning our systems and programs, beginning June 1, 2026, we will no longer be able to honor Nova Group gift cards.
We sincerely appreciate your understanding and continued support of our restaurant and team!

 

Good News – New Owners Announced For Chester’s Kitchen & Bar in Rochester, Minnesota

When the announcement about the gift cards was made, quite a few concerned fans of the restaurant wanted to know the answer to a few questions:

1.  Is the Parmesan Crusted Walleye going to remain on the menu?

 

2.  Will the Banana Cream Pie still be on the menu?

 

3.  Who are the new owners?

Answer to #1:  Yes

Answer to #2:  Yes (both the “Parm Walleye and Banana cream pie are here to stay!” – according to the owner.)

Answer #3: Derek Jensen chimed in on the Facebook post about the gift cards and gave the following introduction as the new owner:

Hello! My name is Derek Jensen. I am the proud owner of Chester’s. I have been the executive chef at Chester’s since Day 1, 2008. When the opportunity was presented over a year ago to purchase the restaurant ( due to the increasing ages of the original investors) my wife and I jumped at the chance. I assure you the food and service quality will remain at the highest level. Our team looks forward to serving you soon! ( and yes, the Parm Walleye and Banana cream pie are here to stay!)

…and now I know who to personally thank for making such amazing meatloaf!  Thank you, Derek, for the thousands upon thousands of meals that have gone out of that kitchen by your team.