Chatting with Chellas Arepa Kitchen
Chatting with Chellas Arepa Kitchen
Since 2018, Luis Quiroz has infused South American flavors into gluten-free cuisine at Chellas Arepa Kitchen. Drawing inspiration from his childhood in Peru, he's curated a menu filled with creative and flavorful dishes. What began as a food truck on the outskirts of Lancaster City has now become an landmark of our city, consistently ranked among the top 100 places to eat — #44 in 2020 and #11 in 2023, and claiming the number one spot on Yelp's 2021 list of the top 25 spots to get an arepa in North America.
Starting a business often involves taking risks, and for Quiroz, this meant sacrificing personal comforts to gather enough capital to bring his restaurant dream to life. To secure extra working capital, he sold his motorcycle, car, pool table, and personal belongings.
Quiroz's vision centers around the importance of community and connection in creating exceptional meals. His childhood memories of watching his grandmother cook and his family's involvement in the restaurant industry in Peru fueled his passion for cooking.
Chella, his grandmother, became the namesake for his food truck, and Quiroz enlisted the support of his family in making Chellas Arepa Kitchen a success. His brother, Diego, manages catering and the food truck, and develops new recipes, while his parents handle inventory and production.
Chellas Arepa Kitchen has become a beloved fixture in the Lancaster community, drawing visitors from across the country, including California, Texas, and New York. The allure goes beyond just delicious food; Quiroz and his team prioritize exceptional customer service, treating every guest like family.
Hospitality—for Quiroz—means going the extra mile and fostering connections across cultures. Some customers, like those from Venezuela, are moved by the taste of arepas that remind them of home after many years.
Quiroz's favorite dish on the menu—the Lomo Saltado—holds sentimental value, reminding him of his childhood. He strives to deliver that same sense of home to his customers every day.
Reflecting on his journey, Quiroz acknowledges the initial sacrifices and challenges, but he sees immense potential for Chellas Arepa Kitchen's future, including the possibility of a brick-and-mortar location and expanding their fleet of food trucks. Regardless of what lies ahead, Quiroz is committed to providing exceptional service, building community relationships, and serving mouthwatering cuisine that puts Lancaster on the culinary map.
Visit Chellas Arepa Kitchen at 1830 Hempstead Road, Lancaster (located across from Costco and Lowe’s). You can also place a takeout order over the phone at (717) 575-9171 or online at chellasarepakitchen.com. And be sure to keep an eye out for the Chellas Food Truck at events across Lancaster County.
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By Kylie Stoltzfus
