The Sweet Story Behind Lancaster Stroopie Co.: Why Stroopwafels in Lancaster City?
Lancaster Stroopie Co. has a unique origin story that blends friendship, community, and a passion for sharing delicious treats. In 2008, two friends from a local house church, Ed and Dan, had the creative idea to make Dutch stroopwafels as a way to provide meaningful employment for refugee families resettling in Lancaster. At the same time, they hoped to introduce the Lancaster community to this delightful European treat.
Jonathan and his wife Jennie were immediately intrigued by the concept. With Jonathan’s background in the confectionery world—his family had been making homemade chocolates in Lancaster for decades—this sweet idea resonated deeply. The couple wondered: could this venture work? Could it scale and provide the kind of impact they envisioned for their refugee friends?
In 2010, Jonathan and his wife officially took the reins as owners of the Lancaster Stroopie Co., with a hope that, with God’s help, they could grow the business and make a meaningful difference. They started small, using their family’s candy shop in Millersville to perfect the Stroopie recipe, develop production systems, and test their product. In the early days, they even carpooled refugee workers out to the shop to get things going.
Initially, they sold Stroopies in larger cities where people were already familiar with them, but they also began introducing the product locally by setting up a stand at Lancaster’s Central Market. The response was overwhelmingly positive. By 2016, the couple was ready to open their own brick-and-mortar store in downtown Lancaster—the Lancaster Sweet Shoppe. This was a major milestone for the company, allowing them to offer jobs that were easily accessible by walking, particularly for the refugee women on their team.
The decision to launch in Lancaster City was not only practical but symbolic. Lancaster is known for its long history of welcoming people from around the world, making it the perfect home for a company with such a mission. Plus, the locals quickly fell in love with the smell of freshly made Stroopies wafting down Duke Street! With their shop just five blocks from home, the family felt deeply connected to both the city and the business.
The couple remains deeply grateful to their friends Ed and Dan for sparking this idea, to God for guiding them through the process, and to the city of Lancaster for embracing both the product and the people behind it.
**A Heart for Refugees: The Lancaster Stroopie Co. Mission**
Jonathan and his wife’s passion for working with refugees goes back many years. Both grew up in families and churches that actively welcomed refugees from around the world, so when they noticed a growing number of refugees moving into their affordable housing units in 2008, it sparked a new chapter in their lives.
As they got to know these families, they saw the unique challenges, especially for mothers, in adapting to life in a new country. Language barriers, isolation, and limited job opportunities made it difficult for many of these women to fully integrate. Jonathan’s wife, in particular, envisioned how the workplace could become a nurturing community if carefully planned. Stroopies became that space.
Today, Lancaster Stroopie Co. provides more than just jobs—it offers a welcoming environment where refugee women can find community, support, and friendship. These women, many of whom have endured significant hardships, now have a place where they can thrive. The team at Stroopies is diverse, resilient, and hardworking, and the owners consider it a privilege to work alongside them.
**Business with Purpose: Creating Meaningful Work**
While Lancaster Stroopie Co. is a business, its mission goes far beyond profits. Jennie has always carried a heart for business, but Stroopies is a for-profit social enterprise that creates opportunities for refugee women—something she treasures deeply.
Over the years, the women on the Stroopie team have inspired the couple with their resilience, joy, and generosity. Despite the many challenges they face, these women come to work every day ready to give their best. Early on, the company developed a unique workplace culture rooted in sharing and community. This is perfectly illustrated by a simple lunch break story: one day, Jonathan’s wife brought a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to work, only to find that it would be cut up and shared among the team, no matter how ordinary the meal seemed. This small gesture reflects the core values at Lancaster Stroopie Co.—everyone belongs, and what they bring is valued.
**Looking to the Future: Expanding Stroopies’ Impact**
In the next five years, Lancaster Stroopie Co. hopes to scale its operations and create even more opportunities for refugee women. Currently, the business employs 23 women, but there are 75 more on a waiting list, eager for the chance to work. To make this dream a reality, the company is working on expanding its product catalog and launching into more retailers across the U.S.
The ultimate goal is to grow revenue, open a larger working space, and potentially offer on-site daycare, which would remove another barrier for the refugee women on their team. While the details are still being worked out, the owners are committed to faithfully nurturing what they have, trusting that growth and multiplication will happen in ways they may not even anticipate.
**A Sweet Favorite: The Perfect Stroopie Moment**
Despite being immersed in the world of sweets for so long, the owners of Lancaster Stroopie Co. still have a favorite treat: a freshly made Stroopie, straight off the press, paired with a latte. The warm caramel and cinnamon waffle cookie melt in your mouth—a simple yet irresistible pleasure.
**How Customers Can Support Lancaster Stroopie Co.**
Beyond making a purchase, customers can support Lancaster Stroopie Co. by sharing its story. With so many refugee women on the waiting list, every bit of Stroopie love helps the business grow and create more opportunities for those in need. The owners believe that kindness and generosity can spread—whether through a delicious Stroopie or through the support of their community.
By enjoying a Stroopie, customers aren’t just indulging in a sweet treat—they’re playing a part in building a kinder world, one cookie at a time.
Jonathan and his wife Jennie were immediately intrigued by the concept. With Jonathan’s background in the confectionery world—his family had been making homemade chocolates in Lancaster for decades—this sweet idea resonated deeply. The couple wondered: could this venture work? Could it scale and provide the kind of impact they envisioned for their refugee friends?
In 2010, Jonathan and his wife officially took the reins as owners of the Lancaster Stroopie Co., with a hope that, with God’s help, they could grow the business and make a meaningful difference. They started small, using their family’s candy shop in Millersville to perfect the Stroopie recipe, develop production systems, and test their product. In the early days, they even carpooled refugee workers out to the shop to get things going.
Initially, they sold Stroopies in larger cities where people were already familiar with them, but they also began introducing the product locally by setting up a stand at Lancaster’s Central Market. The response was overwhelmingly positive. By 2016, the couple was ready to open their own brick-and-mortar store in downtown Lancaster—the Lancaster Sweet Shoppe. This was a major milestone for the company, allowing them to offer jobs that were easily accessible by walking, particularly for the refugee women on their team.
The decision to launch in Lancaster City was not only practical but symbolic. Lancaster is known for its long history of welcoming people from around the world, making it the perfect home for a company with such a mission. Plus, the locals quickly fell in love with the smell of freshly made Stroopies wafting down Duke Street! With their shop just five blocks from home, the family felt deeply connected to both the city and the business.
The couple remains deeply grateful to their friends Ed and Dan for sparking this idea, to God for guiding them through the process, and to the city of Lancaster for embracing both the product and the people behind it.
**A Heart for Refugees: The Lancaster Stroopie Co. Mission**
Jonathan and his wife’s passion for working with refugees goes back many years. Both grew up in families and churches that actively welcomed refugees from around the world, so when they noticed a growing number of refugees moving into their affordable housing units in 2008, it sparked a new chapter in their lives.
As they got to know these families, they saw the unique challenges, especially for mothers, in adapting to life in a new country. Language barriers, isolation, and limited job opportunities made it difficult for many of these women to fully integrate. Jonathan’s wife, in particular, envisioned how the workplace could become a nurturing community if carefully planned. Stroopies became that space.
Today, Lancaster Stroopie Co. provides more than just jobs—it offers a welcoming environment where refugee women can find community, support, and friendship. These women, many of whom have endured significant hardships, now have a place where they can thrive. The team at Stroopies is diverse, resilient, and hardworking, and the owners consider it a privilege to work alongside them.
**Business with Purpose: Creating Meaningful Work**
While Lancaster Stroopie Co. is a business, its mission goes far beyond profits. Jennie has always carried a heart for business, but Stroopies is a for-profit social enterprise that creates opportunities for refugee women—something she treasures deeply.
Over the years, the women on the Stroopie team have inspired the couple with their resilience, joy, and generosity. Despite the many challenges they face, these women come to work every day ready to give their best. Early on, the company developed a unique workplace culture rooted in sharing and community. This is perfectly illustrated by a simple lunch break story: one day, Jonathan’s wife brought a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to work, only to find that it would be cut up and shared among the team, no matter how ordinary the meal seemed. This small gesture reflects the core values at Lancaster Stroopie Co.—everyone belongs, and what they bring is valued.
**Looking to the Future: Expanding Stroopies’ Impact**
In the next five years, Lancaster Stroopie Co. hopes to scale its operations and create even more opportunities for refugee women. Currently, the business employs 23 women, but there are 75 more on a waiting list, eager for the chance to work. To make this dream a reality, the company is working on expanding its product catalog and launching into more retailers across the U.S.
The ultimate goal is to grow revenue, open a larger working space, and potentially offer on-site daycare, which would remove another barrier for the refugee women on their team. While the details are still being worked out, the owners are committed to faithfully nurturing what they have, trusting that growth and multiplication will happen in ways they may not even anticipate.
**A Sweet Favorite: The Perfect Stroopie Moment**
Despite being immersed in the world of sweets for so long, the owners of Lancaster Stroopie Co. still have a favorite treat: a freshly made Stroopie, straight off the press, paired with a latte. The warm caramel and cinnamon waffle cookie melt in your mouth—a simple yet irresistible pleasure.
**How Customers Can Support Lancaster Stroopie Co.**
Beyond making a purchase, customers can support Lancaster Stroopie Co. by sharing its story. With so many refugee women on the waiting list, every bit of Stroopie love helps the business grow and create more opportunities for those in need. The owners believe that kindness and generosity can spread—whether through a delicious Stroopie or through the support of their community.
By enjoying a Stroopie, customers aren’t just indulging in a sweet treat—they’re playing a part in building a kinder world, one cookie at a time.
