Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Desrosiers.
Jennifer, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Laney & Lu was born out of my own journey to holistic wellness. In 2012, I was battling severe inflammation in my kidneys that was unexplained by weeks of tests and evaluation. Ultimately, I started doing my own research on the potential causes of inflammation and was introduced to the concepts of the mind, body, spirit connection and the pitfalls of the standard American diet. I cut out inflammatory foods like dairy, soy, corn, and grains and the results were astonishing. I began practicing yoga and meditating regularly, and unlocked a passion inside of me to inspire others to be the healthiest versions of themselves. I earned my 200-hour yoga teacher certification and then became a certified holistic health coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. By 2014, my husband and I had downsized our home and I repositioned my life goals around contribution and connection with others through health and wellness coaching. I took the leap and left my corporate career behind.
One day, in May 2015 I was walking to a meeting in downtown Exeter when I noticed a ‘For Lease’ sign in the window of what is now Laney & Lu. I took one look inside and immediately called my husband. The message I left for him was, “I think I found the perfect spot to open a café.” It was an idea he knew I had been entertaining, but I always found reasons why it wouldn’t work. This time, I just knew it would. Two weeks later I had signed the lease and the concept of Laney & Lu was born. I wanted to serve people the food that had made me healthy. Beyond just serving great food, I also wanted to provide a transformative experience in a cafe where you should feel comfortable to “come as you are”, and feel seen and important.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Usually, the things worth doing aren’t easy. For me, starting a lifestyle and wellness company centered around adventure, Wild Adventurous Life, and a vibrant food restaurant, Laney & Lu, in the period of just a couple of years has been very challenging, but I welcome it. It’s exciting to look back to see how far we’ve come in such a short amount of time and to recognize the impact we’ve had in our community.
With almost no experience in the restaurant industry, I truly had to learn everything on the fly. For instance, the first week we were open I only scheduled staff until the closing time not realizing how much cleaning would need to be done. I found myself standing alone in the middle of a sea of dishes knowing that I still had to prep all the food for the next day. Fueled by only 2-3 hours of sleep the first few weeks, those lessons were tough but necessary. I learned how to ask for help, how to quickly adjust our team and processes to best serve our guests, and most importantly to shape a positive culture outside the normal paradigms of the restaurant industry.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Laney & Lu – what should we know?
Laney & Lu is a destination for neighbors, friends, entrepreneurs, and leaders to connect with vibrant food and one another. Laney & Lu serves as a support system for our guests, creating a platform from which to inspire them to unleash their unique superpowers so that they can be the best versions of themselves.
Our culinary vision to provide the healthiest, plant-based vegetable-centric fast fine food and drink. The menu is made from scratch daily with quality, whole ingredients that are carefully sourced and thoughtfully prepared to be both delicious and visually beautiful.
From the Turmeric Latte to the Epic Egg Sandwich to the Colorful Curry Bowl, each item is bursting with flavor and color that leaves guests feeling nourished and satisfied. Laney & Lu’s menu includes small batch locally roasted organic fair trade coffee, herbalist-designed organic herbal teas, crafted functional beverages, sublime smoothies and smoothie bowls, hearty rice & quinoa bowls and wraps, bright salads, egg sandwiches, and grab n’ go snacks.
We believe food can serve a far greater purpose than to simply fill your stomach. The ‘right’ food nourishes your soul, builds community, and connects people with the earth. Contribution and connection with uncompromising integrity and transparency are the cornerstones of every action and decision.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Laney & Lu wouldn’t be what it is without our amazing team and our amazing customers! These folks are some of the most inspiring, adventurous, loving, supportive, movers and shakers I’ve ever met. It is an absolute honor to be of service to them each and every day.
And of course, I need to give overwhelming gratitude to my husband who has been my biggest cheerleader. He has held down the fort at home and taken on so much of the day-to-day to allow me the space to support Laney & Lu through it’s growth.
He’s also fixed countless leaky sinks and washed his fair share of dishes!
Contact Info:
- Address: 26 Water Street, Exeter, NH 03833
- Website: http://www.laneyandlu.com/
- Phone: 603-580-4952
- Email: hello@laneyandlu.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laneyandlucafe/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laneyandlu/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/laneyandlucafe
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/laney-and-lu-exeter
- Other: https://www.wildadventurouslife.com/
Image Credit:
Raya, Enna Grazier Photography, Lauren Bodwell Photography
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