ABOUT US:

Christopher K. DeKoster
Owner/Chef

Hog –n- The Road’s Executive Chef Christopher DeKoster’s passion for cooking developed early in life while growing up in rural Minnesota. His mother and grandmother took great pride in preparing food for their families, and DeKoster fondly recalls helping them make sauces and canning fresh fruits and vegetables from the gardens as a young boy. “I believe my Dutch heritage and my mom’s love and passion for cooking good food encouraged me to pursue a career as a professional chef,” he says.

DeKoster began working in the foodservice business as a bartender in his teens and continued his studies at culinary school. His talents were soon discovered by local restaurants and he decided to further his knowledge doing apprentice work and studying under James Beard award winners, Master Chef’s, and some of the rising stars in the culinary field. After extensive work as a Sous Chef, Pastry Chef, and Executive Chef, Chris still considers himself a “working chef”, and he takes a hands-on approach to his work. Serving up to 1000 meals is not uncommon for this Chef to cater to.

Eventually, his love for cooking and his 15 years experience in the business drove him to start his own mobile catering business. After a visit to Oklahoma in October of 2008, Hog –n- The Road “Authentic Barbeque” was born. DeKoster plans on competing at various barbeque contests and serving his food at weddings, parties, car shows, special events, and concerts throughout the country.

DeKoster currently resides in Walker Minnesota and spends his free time fishing, raising Bernese Mountain Dogs, and cooking seasonal berries and vegetables and meats from his own property. He say’s “sometimes people ask me why do you grow this stuff when you could just order it?” I tell them it keeps me in touch with my roots, getting my hands dirty cultivating vegetables - it helps me reflect on why I love what I do in the first place!”