It’s always nice to have that go-to restaurant where you can spend your slow Sundays catching up with old friends over omelets and cappuccinos in a spacious, comfy booth.
Or the ultimate BYOB spot with oodles of authentic pad Thai and chicken teriyaki.
Or that cafe in town that serves up a quick, affordable lunch and latte with enough time to make it back to a big afternoon meeting.
Or a place to grab a mid-day pick-me-up, whether that be a smoothie, coffee, milkshake or bubble tea.
What if we told you can find all that and more at one restaurant? Tucked away at the corner of N. New and S. Market Streets, The Lunchbox Cafe is an Asian American diner that offers a menu perfect for all palates.
From Four Wheels to Four Walls
Matt Gourley’s restaurant career began bussing tables in bustling South Beach restaurants in the mid-eighties. He slowly rose up the restaurant ranks, eventually having a restaurant to call his own. When he moved back to PA to get married and start a family in 2008, he knew he wanted to continue to work for himself.
Even though the housing market crashed during that time, commercial real estate prices were still extremely high. Matt and his wife Tew decided to refurbish an old trailer they owned and took their business on the road.
After two semesters with fellow food trucks along Church Street in 2011, they decided it was time for a bigger truck. They added more items to their menu, festivals and events to their calendar and another truck to their fleet. By 2014, they were ready to expand once more, landing on a 60-seat, down home diner located at the end of W. Market Street.
Something for Everyone
The Lunchbox Cafe’s menu features a blend of American fare—breakfast favorites, sandwiches, burgers and salads—as well traditional Thai dishes. “We’ve been here a number of times now and keep going back because we’ve always enjoyed our meals,” said customer Ron Guthrie. “I love both their Asian and American dishes; it’s excellent food, fresh and flavorful, and at a great price!”
While Matt manages business operations and big picture planning, Tew is the force behind the Lunchbox Cafe’s big portions that are handcrafted to order. Chances are you’ll find her at your table, asking if you enjoy sweet or savory and what kind of protein you prefer. Then she’ll whip up a dish she thinks you’ll love. “If you asked me if I was a chef, I’d say no, but I love to cook and see people smile,” Tew explained.
The Lunchbox Cafe is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Saturday from 7:30 a.m.–9 p.m. and Sunday from 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Stop by for breakfast, lunch or an early weekend dinner. The Lunchbox Truck is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
The Lunchbox Cafe is located at 234-236 W. Market Street in West Chester; phone: (484) 999-2150. Find the Lunchbox Truck at 759 South Church Street.
- Photos: The Lunchbox Cafe
