I love me some Lancaster County breakfast! For our first foray into the local breakfast scene, I wanted to feature two of my absolute favorites. I’m joined by Gracie Volker and Jim Lorah, co-owners of Gracie’s on West Main in Leola, and Melissa Watro, owner of On Orange in Lancaster City.
Gracie and Jim tell their wild origin story, including Gracie’s entry into the food industry at a bakery in Strasburg after Jim convinced her to take a slice of fresh baked apple pie to the job interview. Although Jim was reluctant to get back into the restaurant business, after Gracie gained some experience at the bakery, the couple decided to buy the restaurant that became Gracie’s on West Main, despite being told by friends and family that it was a terrible idea. Well, years later we know that Gracie and Jim were right and the naysayers were wrong.
Melissa Watro came back to Lancaster County after being away for 20 years. Upon her return she was able to realize her dream of owning a restaurant when she purchased the beloved Wish You Were Here on Orange St. in Lancaster City back in 2010. Melissa added her own touches to the space creating a delightfully cozy environment. She commissioned local artists to decorate the space and even employed her brother to make barstools for a newly added counter.
Lancaster City Council Vice President, and episode one guest, Jaime Arroyo, makes a cameo and a bold claim that Lancaster has “one of the best breakfast scenes in the country.” Enjoy this peek behind the curtain of just two of the many restaurants and cafes that make up the Lancaster breakfast scene.
– Jason
(all of these words came from my brain)
