Indigenous-owned Kekuli Cafe coming to Fort St. John in Fall 2025 

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Get ready to tantalize your tastebuds with Indigenous fare, as fast-casual restaurant Kekuli Cafe has announced plans for a franchise in Fort St. John.

According to a Facebook post on October 14th, Doig River First Nation (DRFN) will house the restaurant franchise on their Naache Commons urban reserve, located across from Ma Murray Elementary School at 104th Avenue.

“Kekuli” is an Indigenous word meaning “pit house” by the Secwepemc people of south-central British Columbia.

Kekuli Cafe president and CEO Sharon Bond-Hogg and Kekuli Cafe Properties Inc. announced the partnership.

The post reads the company is “truly honoured” to bring the establishment to DRFN’s traditional territory.

“We look forward to a meaningful partnership that celebrates the spirit, resilience, and cultural heritage of the Doig River and the Upper Peace River Territory,” the statement reads.

Established in 2009, Kekuli Cafe is the first Indigenous-owned and operated fast food restaurant in Canada.  

Serving traditional Indigenous bannock, the menu features fusion dishes such as “Bannockwiches” for breakfast and lunch, hot beverages including Spirit Bear Coffee, and “Pow Wow Power Bowls.”

It also features a rewards program where customers can earn “Bannock Bucks” towards free purchases.

Bond-Hogg, a member of Nooaitch First Nation in Merritt and culinary chef, started the restaurant alongside her husband, Darren Hogg. It currently has four locations throughout the province.

The restaurant has been featured on Food Network Canada’s show “You Gotta Eat Here,” and Bond-Hogg has won the 2010 BC Achievement Award for Indigenous Business of the year.

DRFN Economic Development Manager Devrey Crossley says the franchise in Fort St. John will offer catering services in addition to dine-in and drive-thru options.

“We are very excited to bring this tasty Indigenous flavour to the Treaty 8 Territory,” said Crossley in a statement.

The location is set to open in the fall of 2025. The Kekuli Cafe website has more details.