Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Adams.
Hi Rachel , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
When I was in college for Environmental Science, I got a part time job at a crepe cafe and I absolutely fell in love! I decided THAT is what I wanted to do, but in my own hometown of Lancaster PA. So I came back home and got to work to open my own cafe! That was 20 years ago! When we first opened, a lot of people thought we wouldnt last and that Lancaster would not support a Creperie. Boy were they wrong! We have been embraced by this community and have thrived! The love and support of this town and it’s amazing people have gotten us to 20 years and will carry us on to 20 more!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road. Just trying to get anyone to take me seriously 20 years ago was a challenge. I was a young woman of 24 years old and had little to no background or experience, just an obsessive determination and a powerful work eithic! Getting a bank to give me a loan was tough. People always assumed my dad was the owner over me. He believed in me and even left his career of dentistry to join me in my crazy restaurant dream! He would laugh and point to me and tell them, “thats the boss, talk to her, I just work here”.
Surviving covid was no picnic either. Being told we could not use the full capacity of our space…having to only survive on takeout offerings sometimes…trying to convince staff that it was a safe place for them to come in and work every day…that is something I hope we never have to go through again.
Rising food and labor costs make this industry tricky as well. You have to be creative and work really hard to make sure you are providing a great product and creating an experience that people are willing to come and pay for. You also have to make sure to create a warm and safe work environment for your staff so they know their value and know they are heard. Finding and KEEPING a great team is one of the biggest challenges but also such a true reward when you have amazing people around you who help you bring your vision and dream to life!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are a full service Crepe cafe offering fresh made-to-order crepes for breakfast, brunch, and lunch Tuesday through Sunday. We offer a wide variety of sweet and savory options. We have a full coffee/espresso bar featuring our famous Nutella Mocha! We also make real fruit smoothies, fresh pressed juice, and other delicious beverages. We have outdoor seating on our patio as well as a handy takeout window for folks who want to just grab and go. We are Lancaster’s only Creperie and are proud to offer a warm and welcoming space for ALL! We love to be everyone’s favorite casual indulgence with a French twist!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
People that KNOW me know this, but people who just know the brand might not. People that come to the Creperie might not know that I am actually here EVERY day and cook as much as I can even after 20 years. It is still my favorite thing to do here, and though I have a lot of other responsibilities that pull me away from the kitchen, I always try to be the one running the main line on the crazy weekends!
Something people who KNOW me might not know about me…..when I retire I want to buy land and build a tiny house commune for my family! We all get our own space and our own house BUT we are together and close by! I want to make up for years of lost time from my choice to be a restaurant/small business owner haha!
Pricing:
- you can get a great meal here for less than $20 per person
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rachelscreperie.com
- Instagram: @rachelscreperie
- Facebook: @rachelscreperie
