Partners in life and business, Richard Charron and Rachel Ross are the co-founders of The Noble Chef.  Established in the spring of 2022, the food business has grown exponentially since its first day of sales at the Downtown Charlottetown Farmers’ Market.  

Today, The Noble Chef offers hungry customers a selection of freshly baked goods, high-quality spice blends, pickles, hot sauces, and gourmet salts. Just like their popular spice blends, Richard and Rachel have perfectly blended their complementary culinary and hospitality skills to build a thriving food business. The couple are also co-owners of the Pretzel, Pint & Pickle bar at Founders’ Food Hall and offer private catering services where possible. 

Raised on Epekwitk by his single mother, a survivor of the 60s scoop, Richard wasn’t exposed to his Metis heritage growing up. In fact, it’s only since he returned to PEI in 2021 that the classically French- and Italian-trained Chef has begun to explore his Indigenous roots through The Noble Chef. Rachel, originally from British Columbia, has walked alongside and supported Richard on this journey. 

The burgeoning culinary business has provided the couple with unique opportunities to explore Richard’s Indigenous heritage. He and Rachel have catered an Indigenous-inspired dinner for members of Indigenous Tourism PEI. They also attended the 2023 National Indigenous Tourism Conference in Winnipeg, an experience they both described as incredible and paradigm-shifting.

As Richard and Rachel look to the future, they are excited to continue learning about the Island’s Indigenous culture and infusing it into their culinary pursuits.  Richard will also continue to celebrate his greatest influence and inspiration in the kitchen and in life, his mother, Grace Charron. The Noble Chef’s popular butter tarts are her recipe and, in fact, Richard and Rachel have hired her to bake up dozens upon dozens of tarts each week for the markets.  

A selection of The Noble Chef’s shelf-stable products is available for purchase at the Indigenous PEI store, Charlottetown Seaport, and the Cavendish Boardwalk. Richard and Rachel also sell at the Downtown Charlottetown Farmers’ Market (seasonally, Sundays) and at various holiday markets. Their scrumptious butter tarts and other popular baked goods are available exclusively at these markets and at their Founders’ Food Hall & Market location.