Business Feature: Slave Lake Bistro

Community Futures is pleased to feature Slave Lake Bistro, a local catering business led by Chef Desroy Grant, whose passion for cooking has been shaped by more than 20 years of experience in the kitchen.

For Desroy, food has always been more than just a profession. Throughout his career, he has worked as both a cook and a chef in a variety of kitchens, learning different cuisines and cooking styles along the way. One of the highlights of his culinary journey was spending six seasons working in Vail, Colorado, where he gained valuable experience in fast-paced kitchens and worked alongside talented chefs from around the world. Those years helped refine his skills and strengthened his passion for creating meals that bring people together. That passion eventually led him to start Slave Lake Bistro.

Inspired by the Community

After working in several restaurants in Slave Lake over the years, Desroy had the opportunity to meet many people in the community. Through those conversations, he noticed that many families rarely had the chance to enjoy a special dining experience, often due to limited options or cost. That realization inspired him to create a business that could offer quality meals while keeping them accessible to more people.

Through catering services, pop-up dining events, and community gatherings, Slave Lake Bistro aims to create memorable food experiences that bring people together.

Catering with Bold and Diverse Flavours

Slave Lake Bistro offers catering for a wide range of events, including weddings, private dinners, corporate lunches, community events, and special celebrations. The business also hosts pop-up dining experiences and themed food nights that allow people to explore new flavours and cuisines.

The menu reflects Desroy’s diverse culinary background, blending Caribbean, African, and international flavours. Some of the Bistro’s specialties include jerk chicken, curry goat, oxtail, seafood dishes, and other bold, flavorful meals. At the same time, the menu also includes familiar and comforting dishes to ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Building a Local Business

For Desroy, starting his business in Slave Lake felt like a natural choice. Having worked in the community for many years, he has built strong relationships with local residents and businesses.

Like many entrepreneurs launching a new venture, he has faced challenges along the way — from building awareness for a new business to managing the many responsibilities that come with starting something from the ground up. Through determination, and hard work, he continues to grow Slave Lake Bistro step by step.

Looking Ahead

Desroy’s goal for the coming years is to continue expanding Slave Lake Bistro into a trusted catering and event service in the region. He also hopes to create more unique dining experiences and cultural food events that bring people together and introduce new flavours to the community.

For Desroy, food is about more than just a meal.

“Food brings people together,” he says. “My goal is to create experiences where families, friends, and neighbours can sit at the same table, share great food, and make memories.”

After more than two decades in the kitchen, his passion for cooking remains as strong as ever — and through Slave Lake Bistro, he looks forward to sharing that passion with the Slave Lake community.