Go Fund Me for Simon Fraser and The Hungry Hiker

Help Simon Launch His Dream Restaurant in Clearwater, BC

Hi, my name is Simon Fraser. I’m 46 years old and proud to call the beautiful small town of Clearwater, British Columbia my home. Nestled at the gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park, Clearwater is not only a hidden gem in BC, but also the place where I’m preparing to launch the next chapter of my lifelong culinary journey.

For those who know me, food and hospitality have always been more than just a career — they’ve been my passion, my identity, and my way of connecting with people. That passion started young. At the age of four, while my older brother and our best friend Steve were off to school, my mom kept me busy in the kitchen. She was raised in a traditional Ukrainian home in Watrous, Saskatchewan, where food was central to life — gardens overflowing, endless canning sessions, and family feasts that lasted for hours. Summers at my grandparents' home were filled with laughter, raspberry bushes, plum trees, and the smells of fresh cooking — the foundation of my love for food.

By junior high, I was already working in a small Ukrainian restaurant as a dishwasher and prep cook. In high school, after moving to Lethbridge, Alberta, I joined Luigi’s Pizza and Steakhouse, and completed my first year of professional cooking at LCC. At 20, I moved back to Calgary and took my first front-of-house job at Gaston's Ristorante, an Italian restaurant with a French flair. That experience opened my eyes to the elegance of fine dining and the world of wine.

At 21, I dove back into the kitchen at Ilsogno, one of Calgary’s top restaurants at the time, and quickly moved up to Sous Chef. Soon after, I became the Head Chef at Trocadero, a French-Mediterranean gem in Calgary’s Marda Loop. The opportunity to lead a kitchen at such a young age was life-changing and reaffirmed my purpose.

From there, I spent years working across Saskatchewan, Alberta, and BC at some of the West’s best establishments: Elk Ridge Resort, Divino, Murrietta’s, Savory Coast, The Point at the Wickaninnish Inn, and Bearfoot Bistro, to name a few. Through these experiences, I built deep relationships, learned invaluable lessons, and created lifelong memories.

Three years ago, I returned to Clearwater to be closer to my father, Craig Fraser, a talented artist who has called this place home for 25 years. And now, I’m honored to be taking over The Hungry Hiker, a beloved local restaurant with a reputation as one of the best in the region.

The current owner, Susan Ward, approached me last year about becoming her General Manager and eventual successor. After a year of working together, I will officially take over as sole proprietor on June 1st. This opportunity is the culmination of a lifetime of dedication, learning, and dreaming.

To make this dream a sustainable reality, I’m humbly asking for your support. I’m seeking to raise $25,000 to help with the transition — covering operational costs, small upgrades, equipment repairs, and securing the foundation to grow and improve this incredible local gem.

This isn’t just about me — it’s about building something lasting for the Clearwater community. A place where locals and visitors alike can feel at home, eat well, and experience true hospitality.

If you’ve ever shared a meal with me, worked beside me, or believe in supporting passionate small business owners, please consider donating. Every dollar helps. And even if you can’t give, sharing this story means the world to me.

Thank you so much for your time, support, and belief in this journey.

With gratitude,

Simon Fraser