2117 Whistler Road, Whistler, BC Canada

About Us

The Rimrock delivers an outstanding level of service, attentive yet not overbearing, combined with an elegantly rustic atmosphere and tantalizing menu. 

Our Story

Rimrock Café is known for its upscale, locally sourced seafood menu and cozy atmosphere. Started by powder seekers in 1987, the Rimrock Cafe has become a Whistler icon, consistently rated as one of Canada’s top restaurants by multiple outlets. Welcoming atmosphere and authentic service from staff with over a hundred years of combined experience set the stage for an unforgettable fine dining experience.

Creative & Exciting Cuisine

We know from experience that catering for clients such as political heads of state, professional athletes, and worldwide celebrities requires the highest level of focus and execution; This is precisely the level of service we bring to all of our events. Beyond our amazing food and stellar service, we are also a caring member of the DC community.

The Owners

Rolf Gunther

Chef and owner Rolf Gunther is the creative force of the Rimrock Cafe kitchen. His formal training includes hotel and restaurant management in Heidelberg, as well as culinary training at the 4-star Park Hotel in Germany’s Black Forest region. Rolf’s chef experience is impressive indeed.

He has delighted tastebuds in the following restaurants:

  • Hotel Euler, Basel Switzerland
  • Chalet Suisse Restaurant, Rotterdam Holland
  • Kempiwski Hotel, Berlin Germany
  • Capri Hotel, Kelowna, BC Canada
  • Banff Springs Hotel, Banff Alberta Canada
  • Chateau Lake Louise, Alberta BC Canada
  • Restaurant Fransesco Alongi, Vancouver BC Canada

A Whistler resident since 1976, his experience and training adds up to culinary delight for guests of Whistler’s Rimrock Cafe.

Bob Dawson

Bob has learned the business working in a variety of restaurant positions, working his way up from washing dishes to restaurant management. His involvement since 1980 with Rolf has given him the understanding and knowledge that makes Rimrock Cafe one of Whistler’s premier dining spots.

Since 1986, the two partners have won positive reviews and accolades by keeping their focus on providing a quality product and consistent service. Rolf and Bob delight in hosting both international and local guests.

The Management Team

Steve Maile

Steve took over as a restaurant manager in 2020 after 18 years working for Rimrock Cafe in different positions. After finishing the Dubrulle Culinary School he moved to Whistler and worked as the sous chef at Il Camineto de Umberto. In 2002 he first started as a grill cook in our kitchen and over the years moved into bartending and serving roles. His well-rounded experience in all departments has made him a key asset within the team. Together with Bob they now collaborate in creating an impressive wine list.

 

Chris and Steve’s continual growth is creating an excellent management team which keeps the Rimrock Cafe on the map as one of the best dining locations in Whistler.

Chris McKinney

Born in Montreal and moving to Whistler in 1998, has been a great addition to our Rimrock family for the last 20 years. His restaurant career started in Teppan Village washing dishes but soon moved to tempura and appetizer cook. Chris also worked on the commercial fishing vessel Ocean Sunrise for five summers where he learned about fabulous seafood of British Columbia’s coastline, gaining industry knowledge of the products he would later specialized preparing.

Skiing and biking brought him to Whistler, where he started as “the oyster guy” at Rimrock Cafe. Over the years he worked as chef de partie within many stations, developing his natural abilities as a high caliber chef and leader . Under the direction of executive chef Rolf, Chris has evolved into the challenging role of sous chef.

Rosie Jackson

Office manager and assistant restaurant manager Rosie came to Whistler 6 years ago from the United Kingdom. After she finished her studies at the Lancaster University, she decided to travel a bit, moved to Whistler, and never left. Rosie joined the Rimrock Cafe team in December 2018, and after two years hosting, bussing, food running and helping with some office administration, she took over the position of the office manager and later became an assistant restaurant manager. Rosie has proven she hits the ground running with every new role challenge, and she cares for the staff with her warmth diligence and professionalism.