Fig Lancaster | Winter 2025 by Fig Magazine

Thank you, Lancaster

For 20 years, Fig has had the honor of being an enthusiast’s guide to the inspiring entrepreneurs, impactful leaders, and many of the places and people that make Lancaster City special.

Behind Fig is a small and mighty team of local creatives who fiercely love this community. From the very first issue in 2005, we’ve had the simple mission to use our talents to spread the word about the place we call home. Two decades, 80 issues, and lots of new friends later, we could not be more thankful for the love and support we’ve received on this always-evolving and ever-inspiring creative journey.

Thank you for reading Fig, supporting the small business community, and loving Lancaster. We look forward to many more years of creativity and connection.

Love,

The Fig Team

Two decades

2005

The idea for Fig is born in the attic of a farmhouse, and the first issue releases in November of that year.

2011

Fig Industries moves into a studio space on King Street in Lancaster City.

2016

Deborah is honored by Lancaster Chamber of C0mmerce as Small Businessperson of the Year.

2017

Fig Industries moves to their own building in Old Town in Lancaster City.

2019

Fig Industries becomes a Certified B Corporation.

2023

The Fig Franchise is established so creatives can start Fig in cities across the country.

2024

The Fig Tree fund is established at the Community Foundation to offer grants that fuel small business ideas.

2025

Fig Lancaster celebrates 20 years.

As we look back on our humble beginnings, we are forever thankful to be part of this exceptionally creative community.

of loving local

WELCOME TO THE 20 TH

ANNIVERSARY EDITION OF FIG

a project started in 2005 by two friends who wanted to introduce readers to small businesses in Lancaster City, with the hope that our creative little city would thrive. We believed that if we could show people all the good the city had to offer, all in one place, they would love it as much as we did. Twenty years later, the book is bigger and the goals are bolder, but the mission remains the same.

It’s hard to believe that we’ve brought 80 editions of Fig to life, each one a new opportunity to tell the story of our growing and evolving city. It didn’t seem possible until I realized that my youngest child—who was a one-year-old when we introduced Fig to the world—can now order a drink at The Belvedere, the first restaurant that took a chance on being in our very first issue.

So much has changed in our city, proof of which is reflected on our inside front cover, but a lot has remained the same. We remain a welcoming community of makers and doers with an entrepreneurial spirit like no other. And now, there are many more of us—creative entrepreneurs and city lovers who operate with a spirit of collaboration that connects us and multiplies the good.

Inside the emerald cover of this extra special edition, you will find a celebration of community. Each shop owner, nonprofit leader, restaurateur, and artist welcomes you to shop local, engage in

something new, and fall in love with Lancaster City this holiday season.

As we close out our second decade and embark on another, we are full of gratitude—to the businesses in Fig who continue to believe in our mission, to our readers who have joined us on this journey, and to a community that has made a commitment to living and loving local. We get to do this work because of you, and we are forever honored. Our wish is that you will keep engaging in Lancaster City and reading Fig—because we’re just getting started.

Cheers to the future,

Lancaster City Milestones

Lancaster City has made major strides in the past two-plus decades—as creative entrepreneurs and community leaders saw potential in our city, made long-term investments, and continue to find new ways to sustainably grow and innovate. This list of 20 milestones touches on some of the notable events we consider turning points in the local community. Each has contributed to making Lancaster City what it is today.

1998

Restaurateur Dean Oberholtzer turns an 1869 Victorian Italianatestyle mansion into The Belvedere Inn, a cornerstone in Lancaster’s restaurant community.

1999

Modeled after nearby Philly, Carol Foley Bolt holds exhibit openings on the First Friday of the month, asking other galleries and shops to stay open late.

2001

Lancaster Amtrak becomes part of the Lancaster City Historic District.

2004

Bright Side Opportunities Center opens in southwest Lancaster offering multiple community services under one roof— including STEM and wellness initiatives for local youth.

This special feature celebrates a shared commitment to our local community with:

Dennis & Gaye Cox purchase buildings along North Prince Street where Gaye’s CityFolk and other galleries open, establishing the roots of Gallery Row and sparking an arts revitalization in the city.

Clipper Magazine Stadium, now known as Penn Medicine Park, opens and hosts its first season of baseball.

The first issue of Fig is mailed to residents around Lancaster County, encouraging them to come to the city to support Lancaster’s small businesses.

2009

Lancaster Marriott and integrated Lancaster County Convention Center open at Penn Square.

2010

The Ware Center opens as a premier visual and performing arts center.

2011

The oldest continuously operating farmers’ market in the country, Lancaster Central Market receives major renovations to maintain this historic treasure.

2012

Lancaster County Community Foundation pilots the first ExtraGive, raising $1.6 million in 24 hours for local nonprofits and kicking off a now annual day of community-wide philanthropy.

2013

Zoetropolis Cinema Stillhous e moves into a former furniture store on Water Street, offering a theatre, restaurant, and distillery in one cultural hub.

2014

SACA’s bilingual workforce development center Tec Centro opens its first location.

2022

Resident-led initiative SoWe is launched to strengthen social and economic well-being of Lancaster’s southwest.

2019

Lancaster adopts an Active Transportation Plan to enhance walkability and bikeability.

2021

Fulton Theatre unveils a major expansion, including theater experience upgrades, a new dance studio, reimagined lobby and box office, and actor apartments.

Willow Valley Communities reopens historic Southern Market with a public food hall and bar, along with private offices and meeting spaces.

Ewell Plaza opens in the heart of the city, housing a new space for Lancaster Public Library and complementing the adjacent 101NQ development.

2025

Willow Valley breaks ground on Mosaic, a premier 55+ community between Central Market and Southern Market.

2026

LancasterHistory is set to open The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy, a museum and education center adjacent to the Convention Center.

Fig has been honored to tell the stories of our innovative small city for the past 20 years, cheering on entrepreneurs, leaders, and projects like those featured here—plus many more.

Raise a glass

THIS ISSUE is a celebration of business milestones, community evolution, and all things local. Throughout this special anniversary edition, we are highlighting the rich history, new ideas, and people and places that make our city a wonderful place to live and visit. Cheers to Lancaster!

Origin Stories

In honor of our 20 th anniversary, Fig is celebrating the Origin Stories of fellow businesses and organizations who are building a legacy in Lancaster and beyond. 5, 17, 56, 61, 64, 69, 74–75, 79, 98–99, 101, 106–107, 124–125, 129

Local Gifting Guide

Gifting at the holidays is better with local finds. Spend the day shopping in Lancaster City and use our annual local shopping guide to find unique gifts for everyone on your list.

31– 52

Local Giving Guide

In our annual giving guide, we are celebrating milestones and connecting you with local nonprofits who need your support all year long to continue serving Lancaster neighbors. 81–103

Lancaster City Milestones

Celebrating major milestones in the past 20+ years

Inside cover

Fresh Faces

Welcoming seven new businesses to Lancaster City 7, 9, 15, 23, 27, 55, 71

She Owns It: This is Happiness Studio

In this special woman-owned business feature, get to know local artist and entrepreneur Emily Keener.

Sponsored by Chesko & Cavallo Realty Group 21

The Fig Tree

Meet our 2025 Lancaster City small business grant recipients! 30

Reach High: Stories of Leadership

Featuring S. Dale High

Credits

Thank you to our editorial sponsor, High ® companies—committed to community leadership, sustainable building and business practices, and advancement through the preservation of local heritage.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

City of Lancaster

Discover Lancaster

High Foundation

Lancaster City Alliance

Lancaster County Community Foundation

Est. 1935

Lancaster’s Jeweler Since 1935

reamjewelers.com

58 North Queen Street

PLANTING THE SEED

Ream Jewelers was founded by Robert Ream in 1935 before being purchased by Herbert and Dorothy Rochman in 1960. As the business and the city grew, Herbert, his daughter Ricki, and son-in-law Mr. Alan Friedland moved the store to Queen Street in 1972, where they remained committed to keeping their business downtown.

ROOTED IN LANCASTER

Their shared passion for helping generations of families find the perfect gift in a warm and welcoming environment is reflected in every corner of the store. As the creative force behind Ream Jewelers, Ricki continues to design every detail of their unique experience, creating the distinctive environment customers have known for decades.

TENDING NEW GROWTH

Their offerings have expanded over the years to include precision jewelry repairs, master watchmaking, and custom jewelry design—with an emphasis on curating elegant collections for the community they love. Their legacy is rooted in creating joy for everyone who walks through their doors.

Scan for Ream Jewelers’ Origin Story video

Remodeled 58 North Queen Street storefront (above)

Original 5 West King Street location, 1968 (left)

Success Lancaster Story

EMILY GONZALEZ’S PASSION for food began in her grandmother’s kitchen in Puerto Rico. When her family moved to Lancaster, Emily was only 12 and her mother had to work long hours, so she took over all the cooking and cleaning at home.

After having her daughter at 18, followed by her son a few years later, she was cooking for her own family every day—and loved it. At 28, she was tired of working for others and not being home enough. That’s when a friend suggested selling empanadillas, and the rest, she says, is history.

Emily is now the proud founder and owner of GEM’s Catering, offering customized dining experiences that honor fresh and flavorful cuisine from all over the world. In 2024, Emily and her business partner also had the opportunity to purchase Inna’s Pierogi Shop, a Lancaster favorite that operates out of the Lititz and Lancaster Central Market. Their frozen pierogies are also sold in more than 12 local stores.

On top of all of this, Emily creates space to host women from the community at her Women Empowerment events, which aim to connect women to each other as well as opportunities for grants, loans, and other business resources that she wished she had when starting out.

“I want everyone who hears my story to know that success is possible no matter your background. As much as I am proud of my accomplishments, I also know how important it is to remain humble and true to yourself throughout it all.”

– Emily Gonzalez

Stay up to date with Emily, her businesses, and her events by following @gemscatering_ on Instagram.

Fresh Face: Fox Den Indoor Golf

THE OPENING OF FOX DEN INDOOR GOLF is the culmination of a dream that father-and-son duo Ken and Tyler Fox have had since their early days of golfing together.

It was nearly a decade ago that Ken, a seasoned physical therapist, and Tyler, a lifelong athlete, rigged up their first golf simulator in their garage at home.

“We used foam balls, a drop cloth, and a projector we mounted on our garage door opener,” Tyler reminisced. “If you hit too hard, you’d risk hitting the lawn mower behind the cloth, and the ball would jump back at you.”

Their equipment and expertise have come a long way since then, with their new space hosting Trackman’s state-of-the-art technology in four intentionally designed bays that guests can rent by the hour.

“As somebody who studies motion for a living, I knew it was important for our space to feel open, so it better translates between the simulator and being out on the course,” Ken shared.

With interest in golf at an all-time high, they are excited to give the community an alternate form of the game, where you can play year-round to improve, give golf a try, or enjoy an afternoon of simulator games with friends.

Both Ken and Tyler want to invite people interested in learning to golf to start with a round indoors.

“It can be really intimidating to play a full round at a course for the first time,” Tyler explained. “You might be playing slower or feel like everyone is watching you, but here, it’s just you and your group in a bay—and we believe that’s a bit more inviting as you are learning.”

For more experienced golfers who are looking to up their game, Fox Den uses special technology where you can track your stats across sessions.

“All the data that’s created when you play here is yours,” Ken shared. “The impact and ball flight data generated by the simulator are available through the free Trackman app, allowing users to more efficiently and effectively improve their game.”

No matter where you are in your game, he and Tyler invite you to book a time, BYOB, and enjoy a day at the Den.

You can also follow them on social media for golf tips, updates on winter leagues, and details on special events.

This page is partially sponsored by Northwest Bank who believes in supporting the growth of small businesses in Lancaster City.

Owners Ken Fox (left) and Tyler Fox (right)

Think Outside

REACH IS POWER —and every day Oaktree Outdoor Advertising delivers the ability to connect with thousands of unique individuals. Their bold, bright digital platform illuminates the spaces where people live, commute, and connect. With a strong community presence, they expand visibility, amplify influence, and build lasting brand trust.

Local. Impactful. Unforgettable. Oaktree Outdoor Advertising: Think Outside.

Fresh Face: La Cajita

FOR JOCELYN MORALES, cooking was one of her first loves. She spent many years in the kitchen of her father’s restaurants in Puerto Rico, learning to cook alongside him.

When her family relocated to Lancaster, her father continued his career catering for weddings and events around the community.

Although she continued his legacy of cooking for her family and friends, it wasn’t until early 2025 that Jocelyn decided it was time for her to pursue her passion more formally, enrolling in Tec Centro’s Culinary Arts program to hone her techniques.

It was there she met Blanca Cintron Vidal, chef and instructor for Tec Centro. Blanca gave Jocelyn the push she needed to chase her dreams of owning her own restaurant. It was in the classroom that the idea for La Cajita began to take shape.

“I knew 2025 was going to be my year, and everything came together sooner than I even expected,” Jocelyn shared. “I had this space lined up before I even graduated.”

With her graduation certificate and business plan in place, Jocelyn opened the doors to La Cajita in early August of 2025.

“I lost my father a few months before the restaurant opened, and that was very hard for me,” Jocelyn shared. “But I am so excited for what is to come because I’m doing what my father always wanted to do.”

Anchored by her signature Cuban along with a variety of Puerto Rican-inspired sandwiches, Jocelyn’s vision is to offer bold, flavor-packed dishes that bring her creative twist on island comfort food. The menu also includes coffees, smoothies, and fruit refreshers to pair with your meal.

“It has been a challenge, but I’m doing something I really love, and I know it won’t stop here,” she added.

La Cajita is open for breakfast and lunch Monday through Saturday at 401 West Walnut Street.

Owner Jocelyn Morales

Where past meets present

ROOTED IN HISTORY dating back to the 1750s, The Imperial proudly carries the name of two Lancaster landmarks: the Imperial Hotel and the Imperial Bar. For generations, this corner of the city served as a gathering place for travelers and even welcomed U.S. Presidents including Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Richard Nixon, and John F. Kennedy.

Today, The Imperial Restaurant continues that legacy by identifying strongly with local Lancaster ingredients, creating a fresh, seasonal menu that will absolutely delight you. With the leadership of new restaurant manager Stephanie Pack, chef de cuisine Kile Zercher, and sous chef Zach Kline, they welcome you to their table to experience the best of The Imperial’s past and present in every dish.

From left to right: Zach Kline, Kile Zercher, and Stephanie Pack

Hello, Lovely

LUXE SALON & SPA is bringing even more loveliness with the opening of their new Lititz location. Poised in the heart of downtown inside the historic Lititz Ice House complex, the space embodies Luxe’s upbeat, whimsical, and approachable style. Whether you opt for beauty and wellness services in Lititz or Lancaster, their experienced team has everything you need to restore and relax in one of life’s busiest seasons. Don’t forget! A Luxe gift card is the perfect way to show some love for the holidays.

J Call Gil at 717.295.9995 for a list of active listings and tips on when to sell your home.

A passion for LANCASTER

“Every home in Lancaster tells a story— and I’m honored to help write it. After four decades, my passion for serving Lancaster remains as strong as ever. This community is woven with stories of heritage, architecture, and heart. Each client and each home represent a new chapter in Lancaster’s ongoing story. Helping families find their place here, while celebrating the city’s character and history, continues to inspire me every day.”

– Gil Lyons

1984

Gil begins his real estate career in his hometown of Lancaster.

1995

Gil expands his reach to all of Lancaster County with a focus on unique properties in communities like School Lane Hills, Chestnut Hill, and West End Lancaster.

2010

Gil joins the NAR Green Resource Council and earns the NAR Green Designation.

2025

Gil is named #6 RE/MAX Agent in Pennsylvania.

Peace. Love. Ramen.

ISSEI NOODLE CARLISLE

OPENED IN APRIL 2007

under Naomi, a first-generation Japanese-American immigrant, and Robert Pham, a VietnameseLaotian immigrant. Through the years they proudly served the Carlisle community, raising five children that have all worked in the family ramen shop.

In May 2013, Naomi and Robert’s oldest son, Andre, opened Issei Noodle Lancaster with his wife Donna, which quickly became a staple in Lancaster’s thriving restaurant scene. After a decade of serving the community, Andre and Donna moved the restaurant to a larger location in 2024, where the menu showcases fresh ramen noodles made daily along with a collection of seasonal specials and drink pairings.

The pair also introduced two new restaurant concepts in their expanded space—Hi-Fi Izakaya, a Japanese cocktail + listening bar, and Culture, Lancaster’s first Asian barbecue currently under construction!

Donna and Andre Pham with their kids, Ezra and Luna

Outdoor destination

PENN STONE IS LANCASTER’S DESTINATION for quality masonry and hardscaping materials as well as design-focused outdoor kitchens, fire features, outdoor heaters, and landscape lighting. Experience their outdoor showroom to find everything you need to create a beautiful Life Built Outdoors.

This stunning patio features Silver Travertine in French pattern, a timeless stone choice— available at the Penn Stone showroom.

Fresh Face: Chévere Café

ADA RIVERA AND VICTOR COLON both grew up in Lancaster’s southeast after their families relocated from Puerto Rico in the ‘80s—and the neighborhood still holds a special place in their hearts.

Headquarted at SACA’s Plazo Centro, Ada has owned a realty company for five years, and when the space next door became available, she and Victor began to dream of fulfilling a need in their beloved community.

“We started talking about the fact that we usually have to get in the car and drive if we want to go out to eat or meet for coffee,” Ada shared. “That’s really how the idea for Chévere Café came about.”

Drawing on days spent in the kitchen cooking with their family, Ada and Victor—along with Ada’s cousin Gammy and other family members—were inspired by their home country when they began to craft their menu.

“When you move here from another country, sometimes you lose some of the traditions,” Ada explained. “We want to make sure we remember our heritage and share that with those around us.”

With authentic imported Puerto Rican coffee at the heart of their offerings, they also serve breakfast, lunch, and pastries for customers to enjoy in a cozy atmosphere. The café, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, captures the feeling of Puerto Rico.

From the music playing to the custom mural of an old country house, the space is un tributo a nuestra isla del encanto a tribute to our island of enchantment, as they put it.

“Our goal is to give the community un pedacito, a little, of where we are from,” Ada said. “This is a place where community, culture, and coffee come together.”

Stop in, stay awhile, and get a taste of Puerto Rico at Chévere Café.

Owners Victor Colon and Ada Rivera (left) with their cousin and chef Gammy (right)

Team favorites for buying local

special Something

FOR 20 YEARS, Henrietta Heisler Interiors Inc. has operated under the notion of creating both functional and beautiful spaces for their clients. Their team is rooted in Lancaster City and loves gifting local items from independent retailers.

chelsea graham: DogStar Books

andrea foard: Lancaster Central Market

olivia shaak: Building Character

danielle kintzer: Gallery Grow

henrietta heisler: J. Hilburn