Joe Hess
Co-owner

Joe, simply put, is a bundle of energy! A true people person, you’ll be glad he’s on your side when planning your event, all the way leading up to the day. Joe has managed so many events that timing, organization and thinking ahead are traits that come naturally. Before Cracked Pepper, Joe has served in restaurants, worked with the Humane League, and has volunteered with numerous local non-profits throughout the years. Joe and his husband live with two sweet little dogs, they are enjoying their first season of boat ownership, they seem to always be remodeling something around the house and are happy for the pockets of time they can get away to visit family and friends.

Chef Matt Scalzo

Chef Matt is a creative commando in the Cracked Pepper kitchen. A true innovator, you will feel lucky to try any number of his creations! Matt loves coming up with new ideas and for this we are grateful. He’s been the executive chef at a number of downtown Lancaster locations, one of where he met his wife of five years. Matt enjoys a good whiskey, is dedicated to lifting weights daily, and holds a hankering for heavy metal music.

Dee Strasser

Dee is our newest addition to the team, hailing from the west coast. Dee’s love of animals led to a degree in vet tech, then later to become a certified dog trainer, eventually starting her own business in Oregon. When her husband’s job moved them to Pennsylvania, and in the midst of covid, Dee found herself cooking a lot, and decided to take some online culinary classes. She loved it enough to enroll in culinary school, and is currently completing her degree. Dee is an avid runner, enjoys sailing, drinks too much diet coke, and loves her three dogs equally (at least that’s what she tells them).

Darryl Coble

Darryl grew up learning the value of work on his parent’s farm here in Lancaster County. He enjoys working with his hands and is often the de facto maintenance man for Cracked Pepper’s vehicles, systems, and machines. He can be found at our weddings and events where helping wherever needed. He is Joe’s other half, and some would say, the calmer and gentler of the pair.

Morgan Coble

Here's more about Morgan, in her own words:

"I have been with the Cracked Pepper Catering for almost two years now, working events & most recently stepping into an Event Supervisor role. Soon you may also be working with me for any Bridal Shower or Baby Shower events you are looking to inquire about.
I am a mother to a 4 year old boy, Maverick & soon to be born baby boy, Myles! I also have two crazy loving dogs, Thor and Loki. When I am not working you can find me out enjoying nature, taking adventures with my family.
Working for Cracked Pepper has not only opened up endless possibilities for me but has also opened my palate to trying new things I would have never thought to try before."

Christine Hess
Co-owner

Christine has taken on the necessary skill at Cracked Pepper of wearing many hats. On any given day she can be found in the kitchen adding finishing touches to a lunch, at her desk making sure the numbers still make sense, or on site at an event, catching up with old clients or putting new ones at ease. Chris’s hospitality background includes dipping ice cream as a teen, bartending and serving during college, co-owning a restaurant in Virginia, owning a food truck in Lancaster (one of the first here!), and now culminates in Cracked Pepper. She lives in Lancaster with her husband and enjoys visiting his family in England, hosting small dinner parties with friends, and taking part in lively debates.

Jason Schaeffer-Griffith

Jason keeps the office flowing and the schedules organized. He is the person who will respond to your email seeking bookings and menu options, occasionally helping on catering jobs as well. Jason plays a mean game of tennis, is currently into experimenting with tequila recipes, and loves both his husband and his cat. They recently bought their first house and have been enjoying making it their home.

Wendy Hess

Wendy is a realtor with Puffer Morris serving Lancaster City and County and beyond, (currently working on her Maryland license!) but as Christine’s sister also helps at Cracked Pepper in a myriad of ways including serving, baking for special events, and writing these words. She enjoys finding period-appropriate furnishings for her mid-century house, reading the Sunday NYT, attempting the Monday crossword puzzle, growing tomatoes, and has fond memories of singing Elvis in more than one downtown karaoke bar. 

Joy Lang

Joy Lang is a Southern transplant from the mountains of North Carolina and lives in the Lancaster area with her partner Noah and their 6 year old dog Eloise. With more than 16 years of professional wedding planning and coordination experience behind her luxury event company, Atypically Planned Events, there's barely anything she hasn't seen or already lived through. Joy specializes in high detail events with a design focus on rich details, moody and alternative decor styles, and events with an emphasis on personalization for the client. We're excited to have her join our team as our Bridal Consultant and can't wait for you to meet her!

Karen Crafton

Karen is our team leader in the field and at Pepper Theo Cafe & Events. You may see her as the Event Supervisor at your next event. She’s an all around go-getter and is always willing to help out wherever needed.