Proudly building commercial kitchens and bars across Australia since 1976

Caterlink has reached a significant milestone, marking 50 years of operations in commercial kitchens and bars. On Monday 23 March, the team welcomed the Chrystal family, suppliers, industry partners, and both current and former employees to Osborne Park to recognise the journey, acknowledge contributions, and reflect on five decades of work across the country.

The event brought together the people who have shaped Caterlink over time, from early team members through to long-term partners and today’s Caterlink team. It also recognised the broader industry, where collaboration has played a major role in the company’s growth.

To mark this special occasion, Haydn Chrystal and Ben Chrystal led a commemorative plaque ceremony recognising 50 years of Caterlink. In addition, Del Huwes was presented with a plaque marking the opening of the new Melbourne Showroom and Experience Centre, recently launched in March. The plaque was gifted to the Melbourne team to recognise this important milestone.

Bringing the moment full circle, Tony Cousins, the founding figure of Caterlink, honoured the occasion by cutting the 50-year anniversary cake.

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A Family-Owned Australian Business Across Three Generations

Caterlink was founded in 1976 by Tony Cousins, operating from Lord Street in East Perth. The business began with a focus on commercial kitchen projects alongside a retail showroom.

Caterlink was acquired by Chrystal & Co in 1984 and remains a family-owned Australian business, now spanning three generations of the Chrystal family. This continuity has helped shape a strong internal culture, a long-term approach to partnerships, and trust in the market.

Haydn Chrystal, Executive Chairman of Caterlink, added:

“
Hospitality is a unique industry, built on people, strong partnerships and mutual respect, even among competitors. Caterlink has grown with that mindset, supported by long-standing employees, some with more than two decades in the business, and a network of trusted suppliers and partners. That consistency has created real stability, not just for us but within the industry itself. It is that sense of family, across our team, our partners and our customers, that continues to define who we are.”

From Perth to a National Australian Presence

Over the years, the company has grown from a local operation into a national partner in commercial kitchens and bars, with established operations in both Perth and Melbourne. This expansion reflects a clear direction to support hospitality, foodservice, healthcare, and project sectors across Australia.

Key milestones followed

1976: Caterlink founded by Tony Cousins on Lord Street, East Perth, offering commercial kitchen projects and a retail showroom

1980: The second generation of family ownership entered the business

1984: Caterlink was acquired by Chrystal & Co

1985: Delivered the Burswood Resort and Casino project, the largest in Western Australia at the time

1987: Relocated to 4 Hutton Street, Osborne Park, expanding into a full facility with offices, warehouse, showroom, and sheet metal workshop

2000’s: The third generation of family ownership entered the business

Major Projects and Industry Contribution

Caterlink’s portfolio includes some of the country’s most recognised hospitality and institutional developments. Ben Chrystal, Executive Director, affirmed:

“
The Caterlink journey started with a clear vision and the courage to take risks when it mattered. That same mindset continues to guide where we are going next. Our growth has always come back to people. The strength of this business is the team behind it. What has kept Caterlink consistent through every stage is how we operate day to day. Trust, Respect, Integrity and Passion are not just words; they are the standard we hold ourselves to, with each other and with our customers.”

Over the past 50 years, Caterlink has completed thousands of projects. Below is a selection of notable developments the company has been awarded and delivered:

Crown Casino and Resort, Perth (2012)
Perth Children’s Hospital (2013)
Perth Stadium (2016)
Next Hotel Melbourne (2020)
Le Méridien Melbourne (2023)
Crown Casino Redevelopment, Perth (2025)
Geelong Exhibition and Convention Centre, Melbourne (current project)

These projects highlight Caterlink’s capability across large-scale developments, complex builds, and high-performance kitchen environments.

Expansion into Victoria

Caterlink established its first Melbourne office in 2018, marking an important step in its national growth.

This presence has since expanded, with the recent opening of a new showroom and experience centre in Mulgrave. The site is now one of the largest commercial kitchen and bar showrooms in Melbourne, designed to support equipment demonstrations, product education, and practical consultation.

Sustainability and Responsibility

In 2020, Caterlink became Australia’s first Climate Active carbon-neutral certified commercial kitchen supplier, contractor, and designer. This milestone reflects a long-term commitment to responsible business practices and environmental accountability.

The company continues to integrate sustainable thinking into its operations, project delivery, and supplier partnerships.

Strengthening Capability

Caterlink has continued to invest in its future through strategic growth, including the acquisition of Advantage Commercial Kitchens, strengthening its position in design, supply, and project delivery across multiple sectors.

People and Culture

A consistent theme across Caterlink’s 50-year history is its people. Many team members have built long careers of over 20 years with the business, reflecting a culture grounded in stability, development, and shared values.

The company focuses on creating an environment where individuals can build skills, take on responsibility, and grow over time. This approach is underpinned by TRIP – Trust, Respect, Integrity, Passion – which guides how the team works together and supports its customers. Long-term tenure across the business is a clear sign of this commitment.

Caterlink is here to stay

As Caterlink moves into its next chapter, the focus remains on sustainable growth, national capability, and continued investment in people and infrastructure.

The business remains committed to:

Supporting Australian industries
Delivering practical, high-quality solutions to customers
Maintaining strong family ownership values

Fifty years represents more than a timeline. It reflects the combined effort of employees, customers, suppliers, and industry partners who have contributed to the journey.

The next 50 years will build on that foundation.

Caterlink: Celebrating 50 Years of Caterlink