Founder and Owner: Rachel’s Creperie & Cafe
By Rachel Adams

Tell us about yourself and your culinary journey. What inspired you to become a chef, and how did your career begin?
I actually consider myself a fancy sandwich maker, haha! I never had any formal culinary training, so I do not think of myself as a true chef. I make food, and more importantly, I make people happy, that is what it is all about! I honestly fell into the food industry. I was studying Environmental Resource Management at Penn State, took a part time job at a crepe cafe and just fell in love! And 20+ years later, here I am!

Was there a mentor, chef, family member, or role model who influenced your path? How did they shape the way you approach your craft today?
I consider all the strong, badass women in my family to be my mentors and role models. I was lucky enough to grow up surrounded by many of them! That, and the overall support of my entire family who believed in me when I had the crazy notion to drop out of school to pursue opening my own crepe cafe in Lancaster. They taught me a very strong work ethic and that is what got me where I am today. 

Every restaurant has a story. What is the story behind your restaurant, and what makes it unique?
I think I kind of covered that in questions 1 and 2. I never imagined that I would end up opening a restaurant and becoming a small business owner. It just goes to show that you never know where you might end up and that if you follow your passions and bust your ass you can do anything. 

What do you hope guests experience or feel when they visit your restaurant?
I hope my guests feel welcome first and foremost. I hope they feel like they’re on a mini vacation when they are with us. I hope they can escape any troubles or stressors of daily life and just relax and enjoy a good meal in the company of friends and family (or even solo). I hope their server and the rest of my crew makes them feel like a part of our family. 

What has been one of the most rewarding moments or accomplishments in your culinary career?
We just made it to 20 years so I’m pretty proud of that! 

How has the Lancaster community influenced your journey, and what does being part of this community mean to you?
I would be nothing without this amazing community! They are the lifeblood of our local small businesses. They have supported me for over 20 years now and I try to give back as much as I can. We pride ourselves on our fundraising endeavors for local organizations like Lancaster Farm Sanctuary, Lancaster Public Library, Lancaster Chooses Love, and many others!  

What advice would you give to someone who hopes to pursue a career in the culinary industry?
Go for it but be prepared to work hard! This can be a grueling industry full of long days, nights, and holidays. You will miss family gatherings, weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, vacations…all the things that people tend to do when we restaurant folks need to work. But, as my father always said, “If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life”.  This culinary world is crazy, but it is also very rewarding and I cannot imagine doing anything else! 

What can attendees look forward to tasting or learning from you during Culinary Night at Kegel’s Produce?
I will be bringing/making fresh crepes with berries and Nutella, a simple yet classic staple in my world of skinny pancakes.

What does the phrase “Next Generation” mean to you?
As I have a 19 year old daughter, I think of her and what her generation will grow into and the impact they will make. I hope my generation is doing its job to help pave the way for them. To inspire them, to encourage them, to teach them, and to set the proper example for them. 

This conversation highlights the value of perseverance, meaningful relationships, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. Her journey reflects how mentorship, community engagement, and a servant-minded approach can create lasting impact both professionally and personally. Through her work and involvement throughout Lancaster County, she continues to help businesses thrive while investing in the people and relationships that make the community strong.