Inspiring Story of Susan Cadava

tfcaslavelake
Oct 15, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Oct 15, 2025

From Hong Kong to Slave Lake:

Before finding her home in Slave Lake, Susan Cadava was thousands of miles away in Hong Kong—working as a nanny and family cook. Those early years, she says, were “humble beginnings,” yet they shaped her foundation. Every dish she prepared, every family gathering she helped host—from appetizers to dessert—became quiet lessons and training for a dream she didn’t yet know she was building.

A Leap of Faith Across Continents

Susan first set foot in Canada while accompanying her employer’s family on vacations to Victoria and Whistler. She visited four times before finally taking the leap herself—migrating as a Temporary Foreign Worker in 2008.

Her first job was in Cold Lake, Alberta, as a food counter attendant at A & W. After long shifts, she’d relax on Friendster and Yahoo Messenger—early social networks where, as fate would have it, she met Clayton Crory. What began as lighthearted chats and matching-game challenges turned into long drives, weekend visits, and eventually, a move north to Slave Lake.

Building a Life and a Dream

In Slave Lake, Susan worked tirelessly—first at 7-Eleven for nearly two years, then KFC, where she rose to supervisor, and later McDonald’s. Between work and motherhood, she was also the family breadwinner, sending support back home to the Philippines.

Then, one day, while flipping through a local newspaper, a small advertisement caught her eye: The Town was looking for a concessionaire at the Multi-Rec Centre (MRC). It was the chance she’d been waiting for. She took a leap of faith—and in 2018, Susan’s Kitchen was born.

From a Small Concession to a Local Landmark

What started as a modest concession stand quickly became a beloved community favorite. Susan’s Kitchen now operates year-round at the MRC and seasonally through a food truck and ice-cream trailer—serving up juicy burgers, golden poutines, spring rolls, and creamy soft-serve ice cream.

Their burgers, in particular, earned legendary status—often hailed as one of the best arena burgers in Alberta. For locals, athletes, and travelers alike, it became a must-stop spot in town.

Innovation in the Face of Uncertainty

When COVID-19 hit, Susan and Clayton refused to stand still. While Susan managed operations, Clayton handled the marketing & promotions and deliveries as well. They quickly rolled out curbside pickup, launched an online ordering website, and built efficient systems that turned curious first-timers into loyal regulars.

Word of mouth spread fast. Their adaptability transformed uncertainty into opportunity, eventually earning Susan’s Kitchen the Small Business of the Year award—and cementing its place as one of Slave Lake’s culinary gems.

Growth, Susan admits, wasn’t easy. “We had to learn as we went,” she says. “Balancing slow months, investing in equipment, managing staff—it was all part of the journey.” Through it all, one thing remained constant: their shared values of family, hospitality, and hard work.

When asked what advice she would give to all Filipinos starting a new life here in Canada —

Don’t be afraid to dream big and work hard. Be patient, stay true to yourself, and always lead with kindness. At Susan’s Kitchen, we’ve learned that success isn’t just measured in dollars, but in the relationships and family we build within our community. Be part of your new home — support local, help one another, and always carry the Filipino heart wherever you go. ❤️