Our Location

Caffé REL may not catch your eye at first glance. Nestled within a modest, gray building shared with a nearby convenience store, this unassuming gem hides just beyond the gas station pumps. You won’t find a waiting area or the option to make reservations here, which might lead you to wonder, “What’s the story behind this location?”

The mastermind behind the café’s French-inspired culinary creations is Founder Chef Richard E. Long (the REL of Caffé REL), a seasoned chef with classical training and a rich learning history from European culinary mentors. When he opened the doors in 2004, Chef Long’s vision for Caffé REL went beyond the surface. He wanted to create an opportunity to bring exquisite cuisine within reach of all Americans.

Chef Richard’s journey to the unlikely gas station location is a testament to his extraordinary career. With nearly 50 years of experience, his résumé is filled with prestigious stints managing kitchens in five-star hotels, restaurants, and private clubs. He began his culinary adventure under the guidance of Chef Otto Indemauer III at the Hershey Resort in Pennsylvania. After seven years of honing his skills, he completed his training at the exclusive culinary program of the Greenbrier Resort.

Chef Long’s dedication to his craft led him to Le Cordon Bleu, where he continued to refine his culinary expertise. As a member of the Greenbrier team, he had the privilege of cooking for political figures such as Secretary of State Alexander Haig and even the Iranian hostages upon their return home in 1981.

With an illustrious career behind him, Chef Richard E. Long made a bold decision in 2003. After more than three decades in the industry, he left behind a six-figure salary and a prestigious position to pursue his dream of opening his own restaurant, which he did the following year. His choice of location was deliberate: he selected the vacant restaurant space within the local Hot Spot, a decision made specifically because of the fact that it was the polar opposite of his previous endeavors.

From the exterior, Caffé REL might seem like just another gas station restaurant. However, a small sign reads, “It’s about the food,” offering a tantalizing hint of what lies within. Unbeknownst to passersby, this unassuming eatery is the top-rated restaurant on Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Facebook in the area.