Brandon Olsen

Race to Rescue

BIO

Brandon Olsen is a chef, chocolatier and co-owner and creator of Toronto’s Restaurant La Banane, CXBO Chocolates and Brando’s Fried Chicken. 

Before opening La Banane in 2017, he spent two decades training under some of the world’s leading chefs, including two years with Thomas Keller at The French Laundry and Ad Hoc. In Toronto, he became chef de cuisine at Black Hoof and later Bar Isabel Isabel — two of the city’s most celebrated restaurants. 

Inspired by the chocolatiers at French Laundry, Olsen launched CXBO Chocolates in 2015, earning a Wallpaper Magazine Design Award and two Canadian International Chocolate Awards. In 2021, he and his wife Brittany created Le Melon, one of Toronto’s most sought-after in-home dining experiences. He is now preparing to launch As We Do Chocolates, a chef-driven chocolate manufacturing company, in summer 2026.

Brandon's Impact

Meals Icon
1,250+
Total meals provided
CO2 Icon
4,225
Lbs. of GHGs averted from the atmosphere
Water Icon
809,250
Litres of water prevented from going to waste

My Achievements

Fundraising Page

Updated Profile Pic

Added a Blog Post

Received First Donation

Halfway to Goal

Reached Goal

Thank you to my Sponsors

$250

Maryellen Richards

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