Emily Gonzalez is expanding her entrepreneurial footprint with the opening of GEM’s Bodega & Cafe

Emily Gonzalez founded her catering company, GEM’s, in 2018 after years of making food for the people she loves and honing her craft in the kitchen. 

Fast forward eight years, and GEM’s has become a Lancaster staple at events and pop-ups around the county. Emily has also used her business success to mentor and advocate for other women in the Lancaster community. 

“It feels surreal to be where I am today,” she said. “I have really pushed myself out of my comfort zone to meet new people, make connections, and build a future for my family.” 

The heart and namesake of GEM’s has always been Emily’s two kids, as she has worked hard to provide for them as a single mother. 

When her son Michael gave her the idea to open a bodega where the community could gather and grab snacks, she put her mind to it and made it happen. 

“I loved the idea of giving kids a corner store-type place to go in the neighborhood, but I also wanted to appeal to a broader range of people,” she explained. “People are always asking how they can enjoy my catering food in smaller portions, so that’s when I got the idea for the Bodega & Cafe. ” 

Tucked on the corner of East Ross and North Lime streets, GEM’s Bodega & Cafe stocks the cafe bar with some of Emily’s bestsellers, including fresh-baked pastries, hot and cold subs, and rotating prepared meals, that you can order alongside Lancaster County Coffee Roasters coffee and other drinks. 

“A lot of our items are made from family recipes with flavors the community may not expect,” she said. “Things like our pumpkin and coconut flan are not your typical flavors, but they are what I grew up eating in Puerto Rico—and I love sharing them.” 

The shelves and grab-and-go fridge are also stocked with household staples, fun snacks, and sweet treats—creating a true hub for the neighborhood built on GEM’ s trusted culinary reputation. 

The bodega is the next chapter in Emily’s growing entrepreneurial journey, as she is looking t o expand her offerings to a new Lititz location coming later this year. 

In the meantime, Emily invites you to stop by 155 East Ross Street to grab something you’ll love. 

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