Native Delights puts aboriginal spin on fast food classics

Afood cart that transforms classics like cheeseburgers and hot dogs by using bannock in place of a bun become a big hit with the lunchtime crowds in Edmonton.

When Chris Gladue launched Native Delights in January, he focused on catering and commercial contracts.

But the business really took off when he started the food cart outside in Churchill Square last April.

"We came out, it was snowy. We put out the whole set-up and that first day we sold out completely," Gladue said.

"And then day after day from there, we sold out every single day since."

Native Delights offers items like bannock burgers, bannock hot dogs and "Indian" tacos.

Gladue used to work for a similar business called Rez Boys that would set up at First Nations gatherings across Alberta each summer.

"These lines would exceed hundreds of people. Im talking they would go around the block," he said.

"And I thought to myself, Why cant we bring that here into the cities too?"

Native Delights is one of about 100 aboriginal-owned businesses in Edmonton. Another food outlet called Bannock Burger alsostarted earlier this year. The owner plans to open a permanent location on 124th StreetinAugust.

The city helped set up a new business association to encourage more aboriginal entrepreneurs.

"Our vision is to make Edmonton the aboriginal business capital of Canada," said Debbie Houle, president of the Aboriginal Business Association.

The association wants to help business owners take advantage of Alberta's growing economy and population.