Lighting the Grill...
Wil's Grill was started on the streets of Flagstaff in January of 2014 by John Christ and Karl Shilhanek. After noticing the potential for a mobile food business in Flagstaff, they decided to open a stand that would provide customers with a quality and versatile food selection prepared with care, and served with enthusiasm. After spending three months on the street corner, John and Karl took the grills around Northern Arizona, cooking everywhere from a music festival on a ranch in Flagstaff, to Frontier Days Rodeo in Prescott. As the two best friends honed their culinary skills, they realized the need in Northern Arizona for a catering service unlike the others. In June of 2015, Karl embarked on a new journey closer to his home town of Bellingham, WA. Karl will always be remembered as one of the original "grillbillies." His hard work and his good humored spirits will be missed. John will be taking over full time to continue providing Northern Arizona with premier catering services.
A face to the name...
John Christ has grown up in the restaurant business and has been cooking his whole life. His father, Wil Christ, a previous restaurant owner himself, is the namesake and inspiration for John’s endeavor, Wil’s Grill. John’s experience ranges from fine dining to quick-serve food services and he has earned a reputation for hospitality driven service in past positions. John says, “I would wish for our customers to be considered nothing less than our friends.”
John's dad Wil (below w/John) gave him his first grill. Wil still helps John with cooking, consulting and many other aspects of John's business. John's mom Tracy is also heavily involved in the business- making Wil's Grill a true family operation.
"I took what my family taught me and ran with it." -John Christ, Owner
