Inspired by his grandmother Chella, Luis brings culture to the kitchen.
Luis Quiroz, Chellas Arepa Kitchen
Who are you, and what’s your culinary story?
I’m Luis, founder and one of the culinary minds behind Chellas Arepa Kitchen in Lancaster. I grew up surrounded by the bold, soulful flavors of Latin America, inspired by our beloved grandmother, Chella, who often traveled to Venezuela and brought those tastes home. Food has always been woven into my identity—whether at lively family gatherings, over farm-to-table meals, in the buzz of street food culture, or while exploring farmers markets. It’s how I stay connected to my roots and how I build connections in my community.
How long have you been working in the kitchen, and how did your journey as a chef begin?
I’ve been working in restaurants for as long as I can remember. I’ve even seen pictures of myself as a kid in the back of the house at the restaurants where my parents worked—funny enough, that’s actually where they met. Kitchens have been a part of my life ever since.
Chellas began a decade ago after friends and family fell in love with my cooking. It became my way of sharing gluten-free, Latin-inspired street food with the people of Lancaster. I never went to culinary school; I learned by watching my grandma Chella, my uncles, and my aunts—and by doing, experimenting,
failing, and growing, with plenty of love and sazón along the way.
What do you love the most about cooking?
Besides eating, cooking is my way of storytelling. Every dish carries memories, traditions, and a piece of where I come from. What I love most is seeing people light up when they tell me they’ve tried something new at my restaurant. It’s as if, in that bite, they’ve experienced a taste of our culture.
What does food mean to you?
Food is community. It’s culture, healing, and celebration all in one. It’s one of the most powerful ways to bring people from different backgrounds together and create lasting connections.
What does food mean to you? Do you have a signature dish or flavor style that people know you for? Tell us the story behind it.
People definitely know us for our homemade arepas—especially our Lomo Arepa. It’s a fusion of Peruvian and Venezuelan flavors, something you don’t come across every day. We created it as a tribute to two different countries, uniting their culinary traditions as a celebration of the continent’s diversity.
What’s one ingredient you couldn’t live without — and why?
Cilantro. It brings brightness and balance to so many Latin dishes. Whether it’s in an aioli or a fresh topping, it makes everything pop with freshness.
Have you had mentors, culinary heroes, or influences that shaped your approach to food?
My biggest influences start with my family—especially Grandma Chella—and the street food vendors I grew up around. Watching them cook with heart and hustle taught me everything I know about flavor, generosity, and resilience. I also draw inspiration from Latin American chefs who are modernizing tradition without losing the soul of the food—like Chef Virgilio Martínez, whose restaurant Central in Lima, Peru, was named the best in the world in 2023.
How do you see your role as a chef contributing to the local food scene or community in Lancaster?
Chellas is about inclusivity and authenticity. We’re proud to offer something different—food that’s naturally gluten-free, bursting with Latin flavor, and made with care. Our role is to give Lancaster a taste of Latin America without ever leaving the city, while also supporting local vendors, engaging in community events, and mentoring the next generation of chefs.
Can you give us a sneak peek of what you’ll be preparing at the event — and why you chose this dish?
We’ll be serving our pork pachangero, one of our signature summer dishes. The star is the panca pepper—it’s mild yet bold, bringing a depth of flavor to the juicy pork that always makes it a crowd favorite. We chose it because it captures the story of street fare fusion and bold Latin flavor in just one bite.
Where can people taste more of your cooking or connect with your work beyond this event?
You can find us at either of our two locations: the original spot by Costco on 1830 Hempstead Rd, or Chellas on Queen at 325 N Queen St in downtown Lancaster. You can also catch our food truck at private
events or order for your company functions. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @chellaslancaster or visit www.eatchellas.com for quick online ordering.
What do you hope attendees feel or experience when they taste your dish at the event?
I hope they feel transported back to my childhood kitchen, tasting something made with heart and deeply rooted in tradition—yet bursting with bold, exciting flavors. I want them to walk away feeling inspired, delighted, and maybe just a little hungry for more.
What advice would you give to young, aspiring chefs in Lancaster who want to build a career in food?
Attitude is everything. If you want to be a chef or build a career in hospitality, start from the bottom. Stay humble. Be patient. Lead with flavor and purpose. You don’t need a fancy degree to succeed—just passion, consistency, and a willingness to learn every single day. Your story matters, and food is one of the best ways to tell it.