Our Story

WHISTLER COOKS | HUNTER GATHER | FRIDGE FULL | CRANKED | MILE ONE

WHISTLER COOKS was established in 1999 by founders Grant and Hilarie Cousar in Whistler, British Columbia. They built a catering company that harnessed their zest for life in the mountains and love of Whistler’s character to become the spirit behind their delicious food. Now, as the largest offsite caterer in British Columbia’s Sea to Sky region, the company’s success has grown from the strong connections it has with clients and community partners including the resort municipalities of Whistler, Squamish and Pemberton.

Born out of the spirit behind WHISTLER COOKS, HUNTER GATHER EATERY& TAPHOUSE and FRIDGE FUL DELIVERY offer a chance to experience the same recipe that has made WHISTLER COOKS so successful for all these years. And with CRANKED ESPRESSO BAR & MILE ONE EATING HOUSE joining the family, locals and visitor alike, have a place to enjoy delicious meals in fantastic views of our mountain playground no matter where their adventure is taking them.

GRANT

founder & owner

Grant is the visionary and driving force behind Whistler Cooks, which he founded in 1999 with his wife Hilarie. With over 25 years of experience, he got his start at the Dubrulle Culinary School and honed his skills at fine dining restaurants across British Columbia. At Whistler Cooks, he built a team of professionals to highlight our local food culture and cater for many of the region’s most memorable events. Between producing the most incomprehensibly challenging events, he’s often found riding his bikes in the backcountry, skiing and hiking on the mountains or helping volunteer in the community. Grant gets his cadence in life by creating incredible food-focused events that heighten our senses and allow visitors to have a uniquely Whistler experience.

HILARIE

founder & owner

For Hilarie, the best part about co-founding Whistler Cooks is spending the day with her amazing, loyal team and working alongside her husband Grant to create beautiful culinary experiences. While studying at Sheridan College, and part time studies and George Brown, she worked alongside some of Toronto’s most talented chefs, which sparked her now 30-year journey with food and wine. At Whistler Cooks, she’s designed every kind of event including intimate dining in a luxury cabin, large off-site corporate catering, memorable weddings, as well as BC Event’s “Best Event” and “Best Logistical Achievement” for her work producing food services at four venues during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. When creating food for a delicious life, Hilarie thinks that your living room should include the great outdoors… So pack a picnic and go wherever your sense of adventure takes you.

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ALISTAIR

general manager

At Whistler Cooks, Alistair enjoys the fun people he works with, fuelled by their drive to succeed. Catering for the region’s biggest events is no easy task, and after a long week at work he recharges with a cold beer and some BBQ. His background includes a Masters of Science but he followed his love of food, working as an executive chef on the Atlantic coast in PEI prior to coming west to work in Whistler. Alistair loves the fact that food fuels life and that without food we couldn't lead the active, smile-inducing lifestyles we have in Whistler. After hours, you’ll find him outdoors - biking, hiking, skiing, or swimming at one of our many lakes in the valley.

DUSTIN

executive chef & director of operations

Executive Chef, Dustin Harkness, began his 20+ years of experience at Okanagan University College located in the pristine wine country of British Columbia. After achieving his reputable and deserving Red Seal in Culinary Arts via his apprenticeship at Mantao Resort, it was time to explore the world and expand his pallet. Chef spent the following 4 years working overseas experiencing culinary diversity in such destinations as Italy, Scotland, England and Australia. The time soon came for Chef to set his passport down and return to Canada where he found himself first in Victoria and now in Whistler BC.