Conversations with Yonni Crutcher

Today we’d like to introduce you to Yonni Crutcher.

Hi Yonni , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My love for food started early. Growing up in a Cambodian household, I learned to cook the traditional way — no recipes, no measurements, just heart, intuition, and a lot of love. Every dish carried a piece of our family’s story, and that spirit still guides everything I make today.

Jade Owl began as a small food trailer in 2024, where we served poke bowls, boba teas, and our now-famous waffsicles — waffles on a stick. I loved the energy of meeting people at different events and seeing familiar faces pop up from city to city. But after a while, the constant travel began to wear on me, and with my mom looking to retire, the idea of putting down roots and opening a brick-and-mortar café just felt right.

Now, Jade Owl Café is truly a family affair. You’ll often find me in the food trailer with my son, or see my mom, sisters, or niece helping out at the café. There’s always something brewing — whether it’s the smell of fresh coffee, the sound of the espresso grinder, or our laughter filling the space. For me, Jade Owl is more than a café or a food trailer — it’s an extension of home, built on love, community, and the joy of sharing food that comes from the heart.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road — but every challenge has shaped who I am and what Jade Owl has become. Starting out with the food trailer was exciting but exhausting. There were long days, unpredictable weather, equipment issues, and a lot of trial and error. I wore many hats — chef, driver, cashier, cleaner — and there were moments I wondered if all the hard work would pay off.

The transition from trailer to café brought a whole new set of challenges. There’s so much that goes into having a brick-and-mortar space — staffing, inventory and learning how to manage the business side while keeping the same love and energy that started it all. On top of that, balancing family, work, and self-care can be tough when your name is on the door.

But through it all, I’ve been surrounded by family support and an amazing community that believes in what we do. The struggles taught me patience, resilience, and gratitude. Every setback was a reminder that growth takes time — and that good things are always worth working for.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I graduated from Cleveland State with a graphic designer degree — creativity has always been at the core of everything I do. Design taught me how to think visually, how to tell a story through color, texture, and emotion. Those same principles are what I bring into Jade Owl. I wanted to create an experience that feels warm, cohesive, and a little bit playful.

What sets us apart is that the café isn’t just about food — it’s about design and feeling. I want people to walk in and immediately feel the personality of Jade Owl — a mix of family, culture, and creativity.

I’m most proud of how I’ve been able to merge my two passions — design and food — into something that reflects who I am and where I come from. It’s not just about serving coffee or poke bowls; it’s about creating moments that look beautiful, taste good, and feel genuine.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories is being in the kitchen with my mom. She never used recipes or measurements — everything was by instinct and love. I’d watch her toss ingredients together, taste, adjust, and somehow it always came out perfect. The kitchen always has a smell of lemongrass and garlic filling the air, and Cambodian music playing in the background.

Those moments weren’t just about food — they were about connection and it’s where I first learned that food can be a language of love. Looking back now, I realize that’s where my creativity started — in that kitchen, learning to trust my instincts and create from the heart.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thejadeowl.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadeowlohio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jadeowlohio/