Last week, I visited Nathan and Denise, the owners of Joe on the Go, at their Lampeter Corner location (1702 Lampeter Rd, Lancaster). This is a place I’ve been wanting to visit for some time, and I’m thankful that I finally did! Nathan and Denise started their business as a coffee truck in 2022. You will still see the coffee truck at events throughout Lancaster County, but now you can also enjoy your coffee in the comfort of the historic Lampeter building, which dates back to 1760. They opened the doors of their Lampeter Corner location in 2024.
Atmosphere
What became clear as I talked with Nathan and Denise is that they both value hospitality. “We want people to feel like they’re home,” said Nathan. The fireplaces, wood floors, and artful décor all add to the warm atmosphere created by the staff at Joe on the Go. I asked them to elaborate on the welcoming atmosphere and what makes them stand out.
“Our team’s serving hearts are what sets us apart from other restaurants. We aren’t here to simply serve food; we exist to let every guest know they are seen, and they are part of our extended family. Our cafe space is set aside as a place of rest, reconnection, and reconciliation. We see authentic connection happen daily and so many people say, ‘There’s just something different about this place.’ Between our relationship with Jesus and the fact that our cafe is literally set inside a 275-year-old house- it’s hard not to feel at home in our home!”
Another unique aspect of the atmosphere at Joe on the Go is that they are part of a community of businesses that make up the Lampeter Corner. After breakfast or lunch at Joe on the Go, you can go upstairs to shop at Pebbles & Lace Boutique, and then walk to the adjacent building to Waltz Vineyard Wine Bar. This community is one of the reasons why Nathan and Denise decided to open at the new location in the first place.
“Lampeter Corner seemed to be the perfect spot to launch our first cafe while serving new neighbors. Plus, we already loved Pebbles & Lace Boutique upstairs. And then we heard Waltz Vineyards was moving in next door. Who wouldn’t want to be part of such a vibrant new destination!”
Menu
The cafe features an elevated breakfast and brunch menu, along with artisan coffee from Lonely Monk Coffees. I enjoyed an americano with the Breakfast Cruncher, a warm flour tortilla packed with eggs, your choice of sausage, steak, or bacon, a corn tostada, melted cheese, cilantro lime rice, black bean spread, salsa, and sour cream, served alongside flavorful potatoes with garlic aioli.
On The Go, On The Corner
You can find Joe on the Go in their coffee truck at events across the county, and at their cafe on the corner of Lampeter and Village Road. For Nathan and Denise, these are two similar yet distinct ways they can serve the community. I asked them about their favorite part of the food truck.
“We love making exceptional coffee and baked goods accessible to communities all across Lancaster County by bringing craft beverages and goodies directly to guests, no matter where they live, play, shop, or celebrate!”
At the Lampeter Corner, they are able to serve food and drinks, and also act as a central hub for community meetings and events. Just a few weeks ago, Joe on the Go hosted a “Coffee with a Cop” morning, organized by Friends of the Force. Earlier in the year, they hosted the staff at Strasburg Creamery for their first Friendsgiving. They support dozens of local nonprofits and have donated more than $15,000 in the past three years, along with more than 1,000 gallons of coffee. They truly live up to their motto of “serving your community by serving you.”
They will come to you in their coffee truck, or you can stop by their Lampeter Corner location at 1702 Lampeter Rd. Their regular coffee truck location is at 2 Miller St, Strasburg. Follow them on social for their next coffee truck stop and future events! Their Lampeter location opens at 6 AM Monday through Friday and 8 AM on Saturdays.
