Introduction: A Taste of Europe in the Caribbean Sun
Step into the vibrant pedestrian zone of Plaza el Mundo in Dominicus, and you’ll discover something wonderfully unexpected: the warm aroma of freshly made crêpes and Belgian waffles wafting through the tropical air. Behind the counter, Gregory and Gladys greet every visitor with genuine smiles that could rival the Caribbean sunshine itself. This is Crepes & Co, and this is their story.
Through our “Faces of Dominicus” series, we celebrate the people who transform our beachside paradise into something truly special. Today, we meet the Franco-Belgian couple who fell so deeply in love with the Dominican Republic that they decided to bring a piece of European artisanal tradition to our shores.
Meet Gregory & Gladys: A Love Story Across Continents
Gregory is French. Gladys is Belgian. Together, they form the perfect partnership behind Crepes & Co, blending two rich culinary traditions into one delightful destination.
Their journey to Dominicus wasn’t planned in boardrooms or through market research. It was written by the heart. Just two months before our interview, they opened their doors, but the dream had been brewing for years.
“We were on vacation for ten days in Dominicus,” Gregory recalls with a smile. “We fell in love with this country and Dominicus. The people are very, very, very welcoming. Honestly, there is nothing bad to say.”
What started as a vacation romance with the Dominican Republic became something more profound. They saw an opportunity not just to create a business, but to fill a gap they’d noticed during their stay.
“We found that the desserts were not very good,” Gladys admits candidly. “We wanted to bring something different, something authentically artisanal.”
And so, they made the leap. They left France and Belgium behind, trading the familiar for the adventure of building something new in paradise.
Inside Crepes & Co: Where Artisanal Meets Tropical
Walk into Crepes & Co, and you’ll immediately sense their commitment to authenticity. Located on Avenida Eladia in the heart of Dominicus’s pedestrian zone, their storefront welcomes you with that unmistakable European café charm adapted for Caribbean living.
The Menu: Handcrafted Perfection
Everything at Crepes & Co is artisanal. No shortcuts. No industrial products. Just honest, handmade goodness.
Crêpes & Waffles:
Their signature offerings are made with homemade batters, crafted Brussels-style. Gregory emphasizes this point repeatedly: “Everything is artisanal. The crêpe and the waffle, it’s homemade.” But what makes them special isn’t just the method—it’s the result. “It’s very, very light to eat, very light to digest,” he explains. No heavy feeling after indulging; just pure satisfaction.
Choose from classic toppings like sugar, jam, fresh fruits, Nutella, or elevate your treat with pistachio chips, grated coconut, slivered almonds, or rich sauces including caramel, chocolate, strawberry, and maple syrup. Whipped cream and extra ice cream are always available for those who want to go all out.
Milkshakes:
Using artisanal ice cream —authentic Italian gelato—their milkshakes are a revelation. Try flavors like vanilla, chocolate, Nutella, Oreo, coconut, passion fruit, mango, and strawberry. Each one is a creamy celebration.
Smoothies:
Here’s where the local Caribbean spirit blends perfectly with their European approach. Using fresh, local products, they create smoothies from pineapple, banana, and when available, mango. For adults seeking something extra, they offer smoothies with rum—a true tropical twist.
The Secret Ingredient: Passion
“We work with a lot of artisanal products,” Gregory emphasizes. Their ice cream comes from Bayahibe. Their fruits are locally sourced and fresh. Their batters are made from scratch every day.
But perhaps the most important ingredient isn’t something you can taste—it’s the warmth they bring to every interaction. “We welcome you with great pleasure, with big smiles,” Gladys says, and you can hear the sincerity in her voice.
The Magic of Shopping Local: Early Days and Growing Love
Opening a new business in a foreign country isn’t without challenges. At first, locals were curious but cautious.
“When we arrived here, people looked at us a bit strangely,” Gregory admits with a laugh. “But everyone is starting to like our products.”
That’s an understatement. Word has spread quickly about the Franco-Belgian couple making authentic European treats in Dominicus. They’re now attracting customers from beyond the immediate area.
“There are even people who come from Punta Cana who are interested,” Gregory shares proudly. “And we are the only ones selling these products.”
Their uniqueness has become their strength. In a region known for its beaches and resorts, Crepes & Co offers something genuinely different—a chance to taste authentic European artisanal desserts without leaving the Caribbean.
Challenges, Dreams & The Future
Like any small business owners, Gregory and Gladys face obstacles. The initial skepticism. The logistics of sourcing quality ingredients. Building awareness in a new market. But their love for the Dominican Republic and its people keeps them going.
“Honestly, there is nothing bad to say about this place,” Gregory repeats. It’s not just a phrase; it’s become their mantra.
Their dream is simple yet profound: to share their passion for authentic, handcrafted desserts with everyone who visits or lives in Dominicus. They want to create not just customers, but a community of people who appreciate the care that goes into every crêpe, every waffle, every smoothie.
If they could tell you one thing, it would be this: “Come. Come and taste what we’ve made with love. Everything is artisanal, no worries. We welcome you with a big smile.”
Plan Your Visit: How to Find Crepes & Co
Ready to experience a taste of Europe in Dominicus? Here’s what you need to know:
- Location: Avenida Eladia – Peatonal (inside Plaza el Mundo), Dominicus, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic.
- Hours:
- Tuesday – Sunday: 10 AM – 10 PM
- Monday: Closed
- Payment: Cash only (so come prepared!)
- Contact:
- Phone: +1-849-402-8792
- Instagram: @crepes_and_co.dr
Pro Tip:
Stop by during off-peak hours if you want time to chat with Gregory and Gladys about their creations while learning some new French words. They love sharing their passion with visitors who appreciate artisanal quality.
Why You Should Visit
In a world of mass-produced, generic desserts, Crepes & Co stands as a testament to what happens when passion meets craftsmanship. Gregory and Gladys didn’t just open a business—they brought their dream to life in a country that captured their hearts.
Every crêpe folded, every waffle pressed, every smoothie blended is an act of love. Not just for the food they create, but for the community they’ve joined and the visitors they welcome.
When you support Crepes & Co, you’re not just buying a dessert. You’re supporting a dream. You’re voting for authenticity over convenience. You’re saying yes to the kind of small, family-run businesses that give a place its soul.
So next time you’re strolling through Dominicus, follow the sweet aroma to Plaza el Mundo. Let Gregory and Gladys welcome you with their signature big smiles. And taste what happens when European artisanal tradition meets Caribbean warmth.
Because this is Dominicus. And this is what makes it special—people like Gregory and Gladys, who chose to call it home.
Have you visited Crepes & Co? Share your experience with us! And stay tuned for more “Faces of Dominicus” stories celebrating the people who make our community extraordinary.
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