Wild Rose Catering and Co. now open in the Keyano College Cafeteria

What started as a small idea to make extra money for their wedding, has become so much more for Tim Jackson and Jade Botting, the couple behind Wild Rose Catering and Co. After seeing the popularity of charcuterie boxes over Mother's Day, they approached their former boss Stu Wigle with their idea of a small side business selling the boxes to earn extra money for their wedding. Wigle, their longtime friend, and mentor, invested in their idea, encouraging them to think bigger. With Stu's support, their charcuterie box business idea turned into a catering company. It quickly became clear they would need to find a larger location to base their operations out of, and so they have found their home in the Keyano College Cafeteria.

Tim Jackson has over 10 years of experience in the local foodservice industry, most recently as a Chef at a local restaurant. Sharing his passion for fresh, local food is his partner and fiancée Jade Botting, who has been working in the industry since the young age of 13.

Wild Rose Catering and Co. will be partnering with local brands, such as the Wood Buffalo Coffee Company, to support local businesses, and give the cafeteria a "community vibe" says Jackson. “Both of us along with Stu (Wigle) have a passion for the community.” They noted that they are also hoping to partner with location organizations to donate unused food at the end of each day, limiting waste, and supporting those in need. 

Understanding the diversity of the community, they have committed to providing an inclusive menu. Jackson says his “passion is to provide as wide of a range of food as possible. So, of course, you're going to have the chicken fingers, burgers, and pizzas, but with the rotating hot food menu, which we will be bringing out soon, I want to try to include as many different cultural groups in the college as possible. Bringing in Halal meats, for example, that all can enjoy". Keeping those with dietary restrictions in mind, Jackson says, they will be "trying to keep at least one hot meal a day a vegan or a vegetarian option and plan to bring in gluten-free and dairy-free products where we can." Inclusivity and accessibility are important to Wild Rose Catering and Co., as Botting stated "We are trying to have our prices as 'student prices' ", noting that the most expensive dish on their menu is $11. 

Wild Rose Catering and Co are now open serving lunch, coffee, and snack options in the Keyano College Cafeteria, located just inside the main entrance of Keyano College. Their temporary hours of operation are Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and will be moving towards a 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. in the coming weeks.