Meet Olena Firman and Mariia Grygorchuk | Owners

We had the good fortune of connecting with Olena Firman and Mariia Grygorchuk and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Olena and Mariia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
At first, me, Olena Firman was attending the Culinary Arts program in Tri-C, I also graduated Pastry Arts and Restaurant Management, I have a degree in Applied Business, now I’m a Kent State University student, I’m there for my wine degree! Mariia Grygorchuk is my business partner, one of the best friend and my family, we came to USA in our 20s, both came here alone and since we met we were very close friends, and now I am proud to be a Godmother for her wonderful son Daniel! Mariia grew up in a business family and knew how everything is working in business, so one day we were talking about future plans and ideas and shared our thoughts ( we were in our late 20) what we want to do in future, Mariia wanted to do some business and I wanted to run a restaurant so together we decided to open La Crepe! We have traveled a lot though Europe and we saw how crepes were popular, plus in Ukraine ( we are both from there) it is a very popular dish, and we grew up cooking them, and here we have a chance to share our experience, our family recipes, our knowledges and tastes!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We, Mariia Grygorchuk and Olena Firman, are the owners of La Crepe Bakery & Café! We are from Europe, specifically Western Ukraine, and both of us have been living in United States for almost 20 years, almost 10 years ago we decided to open a small business in Berea, Ohio. Now we have another location in Strongsville, and we are planning to expand into Brunswick! So, why Crepes, huh? Because we know everything about Crepes!!! First, crepes are known not only in France but throughout Europe, especially in Ukraine!

Next, crepes are a popular everyday meal that can be also be served at different events, celebrations, weddings, holidays etc! Based on this, we decided to share our experience in making Crepes and bring the tasty European sensation to Northeast Ohio!
Our recipes and methods used, come from our homes, our traditions, and from our mothers guaranteed to make you feel like a kid again!

Our crepe menu is unique, diverse, and tasty with our signature ingredient- love!! Our crepes will have you leaving with filled belly’s and even fuller hearts!Our mamas would be proud!

What was/is the hardest for us in this business?

The hardest was to understand customers needs, that sometimes our customers need more service and a good conversation rather than a food! Sometimes we forgot that even in a restaurant business people need more hospitality and attention than just a food on their plate! But now we know our customers needs, and they and us are always happy to see each other!!

What is so unique about our place?

Most all our crepes are unique, you will never see the same menu somewhere else! Squid Ink Smoked Salmon Crepe, Goat Cheese with dates and pistachios Crepe, Brie and Ham, Pistachio Creme Crepe, our house baked croissants and more… It is based on recipes all over the Europe, we just give a little American note to it!

Why is our coffee so delicious?

Our coffee is the best, we have certified barista who catches all the coffee trends, we know what coffee beans are the best, we do a lot of researches about coffees, like this one ( which is very interesting) – regular espresso has 30ml of coffee, when lungo is short black with much more water, it is larger than espresso but it is not Americano, so espresso has more flavor but less caffeine (only coffee oils are in the drink-that is why it is so strong in flavor), when lungo is milder in flavor bur has more caffeine. We do coffees such as Breve, Glace, espresso Romano, Double Espresso Macchiato, Creme Brûlée Latte….

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Strongsville Mall, Mitchell’s ice-cream, La Crêpe Bakery and Cafe, a huge Strongsville Town Center, parks, Dons Pomeroy House, shopping at Target, TJ Maxx…..

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Our parents, our husbands, our families, each others, my Godmother ( Olesya, she is helping a lot)! Our education ( especially Tri-C chef Michelle, Chef Tom, Chef Maureen, Chef KY, Chef Karen, Paul Glatt) and personal experience!

Website: https://www.lacrepe.cafe/strongsville/

Instagram: lacrepebakerycafe

Facebook: La Crepe Bakery & Cafe

Yelp: La Crepe Bakery & Café

Youtube: La Crepe