Our StorY
What Is an Epicurean?
An epicurean is someone who delights in fine food and drink,
a lover of flavor, quality, and the joy of a well-prepared meal.
The Epicurean name in Chester County has come to mean more than just culinary excellence,
it's always been synonymous with community and fellowship
and now leads a growing movement toward inclusiveness.
A Legacy of Flavor and Hospitality
The Epicurean name has long been synonymous with culinary excellence, creativity, and heartfelt hospitality in Chester County. This legacy began with Loretta C. Krasley, a visionary caterer whose Creative Cooking became a cherished part of the region’s social fabric bringing elegance and impeccable taste to weddings, holiday celebrations, and community events. Her deep commitment to quality and personal service earned a loyal following. Inspired by his mother’s example, her son Lee Krasley carried the torch forward by opening The Epicurean Restaurant in Phoenixville in 1985, where he gained acclaim for refined, thoughtfully prepared cuisine. He later expanded with America Bar & Grill in Chester Springs and Brinton Lake, blending approachable menus with a chef-driven spirit. In 2018, Lee launched Epicurean Garage, a bold reimagining of comfort food in a playful, auto-themed gastrodiner. Featuring scratch-made classics, carefully sourced ingredients, and providing for a wide variety of dietary restrictions, the Garage quickly became a gathering place not just for great meals, but for meaningful moments welcoming locals, families, and food lovers into a vibrant space built around flavor and fellowship.
A New Purpose Through Partnership
In 2019, Topher Wurts a longtime autism advocate, parent, and social entrepreneur joined the Epicurean Garage as a financial backer. As Lee’s health journey became more complex, Topher stepped into ownership. Driven by his lived experience as an autism dad and his commitment to creating inclusive opportunities, Topher partnered with the Autism Village Foundation to reimagine the Garage as more than just a restaurant, it became a platform for purpose. Under this added vision, the Garage expanded into food trucks and catering services, with each offering designed to create accessible, meaningful vocational roles for neurodivergent individuals. Collaborating with local school districts, they developed programs that provided hands-on job training, transitional employment, and mentorship for neurodivergent young adults entering the workforce. These efforts didn’t just result in jobs, they nurtured confidence, autonomy, and social integration for individuals often underserved by traditional employment pathways. What emerged was a vibrant, mission-driven hospitality model, one where a love for food and a belief in human potential came together to nourish both the community and the individuals within it.
Community Support During COVID-19
When the pandemic hit, Epicurean Garage launched its “#GarageGivesBack” initiative to support both the local community and fellow restaurants and their staff. Through a series of weekly programs, they raised money and contributed meals and gift cards to frontline workers, at-risk seniors, educators, and organizations like the Chester County Food Bank, Home of the Sparrow, Lighthouse Homeless Shelter, Homes For Our Troops and many others. They also supported their peer restaurants during closing periods for cleaning and disinfecting to ensur income for struggling restaurant workers. During the pandemic years, #GarageGivesBack raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and became a rallying point for collective action, reinforcing the Garage’s role as a caring, community-first institution.
A Local Historic Inn, Reimagined
In 2022, Autism Village Foundation acquired the historic Flowing Springs Inn in Chester County. Originally established as a traveler’s respite in the 1800s and rebuilt in the 1920s, the Inn was thoughtfully restored to host private events and mission-driven hospitality experiences. With the help of the Epicurean Garage team, the Inn became a new centerpiece for culinary creativity, inclusive employment, and community engagement honoring its roots while serving a renewed purpose.
The Epicurean Club
Dining with Purpose and Connection
In fall 2023, The Epicurean Club was launched at the Flowing Springs Inn—bringing together exceptional food, a powerful social mission, and a truly welcoming space to gather. Members enjoy curated meals and exclusive events set within the beautifully restored historic inn, where the warmth of the past meets the purpose of the present. Most special of all, the Club has become a place where people forge real friendships and meaningful connections—something increasingly rare in today’s often divided world. Whether drawn by the mission, the meals, or the magic of good company, members become part of a vibrant, inclusive fellowship that makes every gathering something to look forward to.