Our Story & Mission

Welcome to Ember & Stone Provisions, where Canada's passion for premium grilling takes center stage. Our journey began with a simple, profound love for authentic, flavourful BBQ, born from two decades of culinary expertise.

Founded by Chef Julian Thorne, a certified culinary professional with over 20 years in the industry, Ember & Stone was established to fill a void in the market: truly artisan-grade grilling essentials. From hand-selected hardwood charcoal to bespoke spice blends, every product reflects our unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability. We are proudly Canadian-owned and operated, rooted deeply in Markham, Ontario, serving a thriving community of over 1000 satisfied grilling enthusiasts across the Greater Toronto Area.

Our mission is clear: to elevate every grilling experience. We uphold traditional artisan techniques while embracing modern innovation, ensuring our products are not only exceptional in performance but also ethically sourced and environmentally responsible. We envision a future where every Canadian backyard becomes a canvas for culinary mastery, fueled by the finest, most sustainable provisions.

Portrait of Chef Julian Thorne, founder of Ember & Stone Provisions, in a professional kitchen setting. — Chef Julian Thorne, Founder & Head Artisan

Our Core Values:

Purity: Uncompromising quality in every ingredient.
Sustainability: Responsible sourcing and eco-conscious practices.
Craftsmanship: Dedication to artisan techniques and meticulous production.
Community: Fostering local connections and shared grilling passion.

Meet Our Expert Team

Anya Patel

Culinary Development Lead

With a Master's in Food Science, Anya crafts our award-winning rubs and marinades, blending traditional techniques with innovative flavors.

Mark Dubois

Artisan Charcoal & Wood Specialist

Mark oversees the meticulous production of our sustainable charcoal and wood chips, ensuring consistent quality and burn.

Sarah Chen

Operations Manager

Sarah ensures seamless operations, from sourcing to delivery, upholding our high standards for efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Artisan Craftsmanship & Quality

A pair of hands meticulously inspecting a piece of charcoal, highlighting its quality and texture. — Rigorous quality checks ensure every Ember & Stone product meets our discerning standards.

At Ember & Stone Provisions, every product embodies our dedication to artisan craftsmanship and unparalleled quality. We go beyond mere manufacturing; we meticulously craft.

Sustainably Sourced Hardwoods: Our charcoal and wood chips come exclusively from sustainably managed Canadian forests, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Traditional Kiln Methods: We employ time-honored kiln methods for charcoal production, resulting in a purer, hotter, and longer-burning fuel.
SQF Certified Facility: Our Markham facility adheres to stringent Safe Quality Food (SQF) standards, guaranteeing food safety and product integrity.
Small-Batch Blending: Our gourmet rubs and marinades are blended in small batches to ensure peak freshness, potency, and consistency of flavor.

Community Commitment

Local Economic Impact

We proudly create local jobs and source materials from Ontario suppliers, contributing directly to the Markham and regional economy.

Grilling Workshops

We host free grilling workshops and educational events in Markham, sharing our passion and expertise with the community.

Charitable Partnerships

Ember & Stone supports local food banks and environmental initiatives, giving back to the community that supports us.

A community grilling event in a park, with families enjoying freshly grilled food. — Sharing the joy of grilling at a recent Markham community event.

Industry Recognition

National Artisan Food Award (2023)

Recognized for excellence in sustainable production and product innovation in charcoal.

Ontario's Finest Flavors (2022)

Our 'Maple Smoked BBQ Rub' was awarded Best in Show for its unique regional profile.