Donna Dooher

Chef and Owner, Mildred’s Temple Kitchen
Culinary Arts, Cook Training – Class of 1983

With over 30 years of professional experience in the kitchen, Chef Donna has established herself as a prominent figure in the hospitality community. Having owned several successful hospitality businesses including Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, she has been credited as the reason brunch became a culinary trend in Canada.

Donna graduated from Algonquin College’s culinary program in 1983. She was among the small percentage of women who began a career as a professional chef. She still remembers her first culinary experience in the kitchen at the Ritz Restaurant in Ottawa. Donna experienced the challenge of being a woman in the hospitality business, and now works to support women in the industry to ensure they have the same opportunities as men.

In addition to her successful business endeavours, Donna has published two best-selling cookbooks (Market to Table and Out to Brunch with Mildred Pierce) and has been the food editor for Wish Magazine. She also produced The Cookworks with Donna Dooher, which broadcasted on the Food Network and was seen in over 60 countries.

Donna presented her cooking at the 2010 Winter Olympics as part of the Brand Canada program and has traveled to Japan, Colombia and the UK to promote Canadian cuisine and agriculture. After serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors, in 2014, Donna became President and CEO of Restaurants Canada, which represents over 80,000 restaurants across the country. Currently she sits at the National Chair of Taste Canada | Les Lauréats des Saveurs du Canada, the Canadian culinary writing awards.