Paris, France, and Senoia, Georgia may be worlds apart, but at Lisa’s Crêperie and Café, both cultures come together over crêpes and coffee. Even before owner Lisa Thiffault or her staff bid you, “Welcome in!” the delicious smells and laid-back atmosphere mingle with a sense of community appealing to regulars and newcomers alike.
Lisa’s love for her customers and Senoia extends beyond serving authentic French crêpes. She relishes being a good neighbor and giving back to the community that has helped her grow a successful business. Tucked along bustling Main Street, Lisa’s Crêperie has been named Taste of Senoia’s top restaurant two years in a row. Lisa has also helped develop Senoia’s Alive After Five event and focused national attention on the town while battling to a fifth-place finish on Food Network’s Great Food Truck Race. As a veteran, Lisa is also proud to give military and law enforcement discounts.
With three food trucks traveling throughout metro Atlanta, the Crêperie’s community involvement reaches beyond Senoia’s city limits. Lisa’s was awarded the most creative vendor at The Cotton Fair in Gay, and when the devastating tornado ripped through Newnan, Lisa’s provided free food for volunteers and created a platform for donations. “It was an amazing feeling to help the community with the crêperie.”
Another way Lisa enjoys giving back is by mentoring young people. The Crêperie not only helps sponsor events at local schools, but Lisa is also involved with work-based learning programs and speaks to entrepreneurship groups at local high schools. “I’ve been told time and time again how inspiring my story is. I love being an example for young entrepreneurs,” she said.
Born in France, Lisa later lived on the Island of Corsica where she learned to make authentic French crêpes from the grandmother she calls Mammie. After moving to the United States at 7, however, none of the crêpes she sampled here could compare. I’m a huge foodie,” she said. “I would always say, ‘One day I’ll open a crêperie.’”
The idle thought of starting a crêperie took root during the five years Lisa served in the military as a helicopter mechanic. She made crêpes for her squadron and sold them during fund-raisers. After she and her husband moved to Senoia, she started making crêpes at the Peachtree City Farmer’s Market in 2017. “When I want something, I work really hard, and I give it 150 percent,” she said.
Today, Lisa’s Crêperie and Café, with its newly expanded dining room and side-walk seating, is a popular spot to gather with friends, work or study. The versatile menu covers every meal from lunch to dinner. “There is no French crêperie anywhere in this area. It’s a hidden gem to find authentic French crêpes, pastries, and macarons.”
One of her biggest challenges initially was getting people to try crêpes. “They think they’re only sweet, but there are so many good, savory crêpes such as chipotle chicken with fresh avocado and chicken, bacon, and ranch. Everything in our crêpes is made fresh to order including the homemade sauces. It’s all very fresh, high-quality, simple ingredients—something that’s hard to find these days.”
As the mom of three young children, Lisa admits she depends on her staff to keep the business open seven days a week. “I love my staff,” she said. I couldn’t do this without them." Lisa has even pitched her business during an open casting call for Shark Tank. “Eventually, we’d love to have Lisa’s Crêperies all around the nation,” she said.
For more information about Lisa’s Crêperie, food trucks, and menu, visit www.lisascreperie.com.
“I’ve been told time and time again how inspiring my story is. I love being an example for young entrepreneurs.”