Behind the Name: Edmonton's MilkCrate

How this popular cafe and catering company got its name

When Edmonton chef Steve Brochu stepped down from his role as executive chef at Beaumont’s acclaimed Chartier restaurant to launch MilkCrate in 2019, the EPCOR Tower eatery opened with a mission to be the metaphorical milk crate that both guests and fellow industry workers can lean on. 

Since then, Brochu has delivered on this promise in numerous ways, from the daily delivery of fresh-made fare at MilkCrate to his ongoing series of free online mental health seminars that help hospitality workers navigate the challenges of the pandemic. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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When it came to naming his debut restaurant concept, chef Brochu says MilkCrate was the only option. 

“It’s a wink to the hospitality industry. Milk crates are used in a bunch of different ways; chairs, tables, storage, delivery,” says Brochu. “We wanted to be the metaphorical milk crate to your day, or catered event. We want to support our community and industry [by] creating initiatives and offering a space to promote others.”

MilkCrate is currently open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.