Earlier this year, former Chartier executive chef Steve Brochu left the highly acclaimed Beaumont eatery to pursue his own catering and consulting business in his hometown of Edmonton. Since February, chef Brochu has run the MilkCrate Catering food program out of Cougar Drilling Solutions for the company’s employees, along with various independent catering gigs and other food-related ventures.
After a successful run since opening, chef Brochu is now onto a new venture, expanding the MilkCrate brand into Edmonton’s EPCOR Tower. As of May 29, the award-winning chef is now providing a food program for approximately 2,500 employees, featuring coffee, fresh-baked goods, sandwiches, and other popular breakfast items.
The aptly named MilkCrate was conceived from Brochu's desire to spread both his love and his knowledge of food with his community. In addition to catering, the NAIT Culinary graduate also provides special dinners, cooking classes, and consulting.
“Milk crates are something that a lot of hospitality workers come across and utilize in many different ways. Oftentimes, they fall into the realm of support," Brochu explains. "I wanted to create something that supports a dream that we all haven't, that service is important to both our guests and our community.”
MlikCrate café runs Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and promises to be a bustling breakfast and lunch breaktime destination for hungry Edmontonians on the go.
"Our guests are busy, not only with their jobs but with all the other things swirling around in their lives," Brochu adds. "We want to be the metaphorical milk crate that they can lean on. Offering delicious café and deli treats quickly and with a major focus on customer service."
