In the bustling heart of Evanston, a small food stand has become a beacon of community, serving up more than just delectable crepes. Gotta B Crepes, the brainchild of Ryan and Kathia Jones, has woven its way into the fabric of the local landscape, becoming a beloved gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

Savoring the Sweetness of Shared Experiences

From Mall Food Court to Thriving Entrepreneurship

When Ryan and Kathia Jones first met, their shared passion for crepe-making blossomed in the confines of a mall food court. Little did they know that this chance encounter would eventually lead them on a journey of entrepreneurial success. After the food court closed down and Kathia found herself without a job, a chance encounter with a customer proved to be a pivotal moment. "If you ever have a restaurant, it's gotta be crepes," the customer encouraged, recognizing Kathia's expertise and the potential for their culinary venture.

Building a Dream, One Crepe at a Time

Fueled by this serendipitous encounter, the Jones' embarked on a small business journey in 2010, selling crepes from the comfort of their own front porch. Their dedication and passion for their craft soon caught the attention of the surrounding communities, and Gotta B Crepes began to expand its reach, serving the greater Chicago area and its suburbs. In 2018, the couple's dream came to fruition when they opened their own restaurant in Evanston, a testament to their unwavering commitment to their craft.

Embracing the Farmers' Market Lifestyle

Despite the success of their restaurant, the Jones' found themselves drawn to the vibrant energy and community-centric atmosphere of farmers' markets. In 2021, they made the decision to shift their focus solely to these pop-up events, a move that, as Ryan Jones put it, "turned out to be a blessing in disguise." Gotta B Crepes now operates as a mobile food stand, serving the Evanston Farmers' Market every Saturday, as well as a variety of other markets throughout the Chicago region.

Fostering Connections, One Crepe at a Time

At the heart of Gotta B Crepes' mission is a deep-rooted commitment to community. The Jones' have forged a strong relationship with Northwestern University, with Ryan Jones expressing his appreciation for the enthusiasm and support of NU students. This connection has extended beyond the campus, as the couple has become a familiar and beloved presence at the Evanston Farmers' Market, where they have been serving the community for over a decade.

A Family Affair: Crepes and Community

For Ryan and Kathia Jones, Gotta B Crepes is more than just a business venture; it's a labor of love that has transformed their lives. As a husband-and-wife duo, they have poured their hearts and souls into creating a culinary experience that not only delights the taste buds but also fosters a sense of community and belonging. "It changed our whole entire life because we are believing in and doing crepes because that's what we love to do," Kathia Jones shared, reflecting on the transformative impact of their entrepreneurial journey.

Welcoming All to the Crepe Connoisseur's Table

Gotta B Crepes has become a gathering place where strangers become friends, and regulars are treated like family. "It's like a family reunion," Ryan Jones described, "and so the ones we've known, the ones we come to know, everyone always brings friends or guests to a family reunion, and everyone's accepted." This inclusive spirit has earned the Jones' a loyal following, with customers like Nathan Arnold, a former regular at their restaurant, continuing to visit them at farmers' markets, drawn by the warmth and hospitality that permeates every interaction.As Gotta B Crepes continues to captivate the hearts and palates of the Evanston community and beyond, the Jones' unwavering commitment to their craft and their community remains the driving force behind their success. Through their crepes and their genuine connections, they have woven a tapestry of shared experiences, reminding us all that the sweetest moments in life are often found in the simple pleasures of good food and great company.