NATE BOX (BLACK BOX HOSPITALITY GROUP)

Alumni-Owned Business Feature: Black Box Hospitality Group
What do pastries, burgers and liquor have in common?

Black Box Hospitality Group was formed by Nate Box and Michael Forgie. Black Box has grown from a pocket-sized cafe to a community-centred and multi-concept food collective. After months of blood, sweat, and espresso, District Cafe, an airy cafe and bakery, was born. District Cafe & Bakery is a proudly Edmonton-born concept and part of Black Box Hospitality Group, built on a simple idea: exceptional coffee, thoughtful food, and genuine hospitality, delivered with consistency and care. For over a decade, District has been a go-to for expertly crafted espresso, fresh in-house baking, and an approachable, high-quality cafe that fits seamlessly into people’s daily routines.

We talked to Nate Box, ’07 BSc, to learn more about how his business started.

What inspired you to start your business?

As I approached the final stretch of my undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta, I started to realize I was more engaged in my part-time job. At the time, I was running a restaurant kitchen, and what started as a way to pay the bills had become something I genuinely cared about.

I wanted to create something of my own, something rooted in food, coffee, and hospitality, but delivered in a way that felt accessible and part of people’s everyday routines. With Elm Cafe and soon after Elm Catering, which opened in 2010, we began to notice a growing appetite for quality baked goods. That insight led to the creation of District Cafe & Bakery a couple of years later.

From there, the business evolved into what is now Black Box Hospitality Group. One of those is Fox Burger, an award-winning concept focused on high-quality smash burgers, local beer, and a fun, energetic atmosphere. It’s built on the same foundation of product quality, consistency, and experience. We also operate Highlands Liquor, a neighbourhood-focused liquor store that emphasizes curated selection, local products, and knowledgeable, approachable service.

How did your time at the University of Alberta influence your career path and decision to start this business?

I didn't set out to get a degree and become a restaurateur. In fact, I've never so much as taken one culinary or business class at any institution. My time at the U of A helped me build trust and belief in myself that I can learn about anything. It also reinforced the value of persistence and focus. When I'm walking through a new space with a real estate agent and developers, my brain is imagining all the permutations and variables at play, and trying to find a solution. When I'm reviewing financials or menus, I'm searching for outliers. I attribute a lot of that analysis to my studies at the U of A.

What makes your business stand out?

At its core, what sets our businesses apart is a commitment to doing simple things exceptionally well and doing them consistently. Whether it’s District Cafe & Bakery, Fox Burger, or Highlands Liquor, the focus is always on quality product, efficient service, and a genuinely welcoming experience.

We don’t try to overcomplicate things. At District, that means well-crafted coffee, fresh in-house baking, and food that fits seamlessly into people’s daily routines. At Fox Burger, it’s about delivering a high-quality, award-winning burger experience that’s fun, energetic, and approachable. At Highlands Liquor, it’s a curated selection with knowledgeable, down-to-earth service.

Ultimately, we aim to create places that feel like part of the neighbourhood — spaces people return to not just for the product, but for the overall experience.

Check out this Exclusive Alumni Perk!

Grab a coffee for just $1 when you spend $10 or more on any of our fresh pastries, breakfast sandwiches, or lunch items. How to Redeem: Simply show your digital ALUMNIcard via the Alumni Perks app. Offer ends May 31, 2026.


This spotlight is sponsored by our affinity program partner TD Insurance. With TD Insurance, you get the protection you need for your small business. From the building itself, to what’s inside, safeguard your assets through commercial property insurance. As a grad of the University of Alberta, you're eligible for a group discount on business insurance.