At chef Mawa McQueen’s Crepe Therapy Cafe in Boulder, dining isn’t just about delicious food, it’s about connection too. While the chef handles the food aspect, at the center of hospitality stands Steve Laser. He’s the friendly face who welcomes every guest into the French fast-casual eatery, not just with a smile, but with genuine care and intention.
“There are so many things in this world that are built to pull us apart, so we want this place to bring people back together,” said Laser, the official community liaison for Crepe Therapy.
Defining a New Role For Restaurants
Officially, Laser’s title is Community Engagement Manager. But ask him and he prefers something a little more personal like “the Connector.” When you walk through the doors of Crepe Therapy, you won’t just hear a standard “hello” or “how are you doing?”
Instead, Laser greets every guest with more intentional words such as, “How are you feeling today?” It’s a small shift in language, but one that makes a big difference. That simple, thoughtful question aims to help guests feel seen, heard, and at home. It also makes for a great entry into a steaming savory crepe like the signature Boulder with Gruyere and Swiss cheeses, rotisserie chicken, basil pesto, and mushrooms. Or, a sweet sample like the Gen X with cheesecake mousse, fresh strawberries, berry coulis, and graham cracker crumble.
Humble Hospitality
Before finding his way to Crepe Therapy this past October, Laser spent years working in finance, sales, and marketing. But his path took a meaningful turn when his favorite high school hangout, a Broomfield burrito shop, went up for sale. Driven by nostalgia and community pride, Steve decided to take it over, determined to keep the local staple alive. That’s when he discovered his true calling: hospitality and connection.
Laser let go of the beloved eatery when he received an offer he couldn’t refuse and sold it. His initial intent had been simple, to keep the long-standing neighborhood staple alive. By the time he left the business, he felt he had accomplished exactly that.
After a break from food, Laser decided to apply for the general manager position at Crepe Therapy in Boulder. However, McQueen had another idea. Halfway through Laser’s third interview, the chef stopped him and shared an idea she’s always had, a vision for a role that brought people together in the restaurant. She explained how, when she lived in Paris, there was always a grandfather figure in casual neighborhood places, someone who made sure customers felt welcome and taken care of.
“I want this to be more than that,” McQueen said. “I want to create a real sense of community here, and I want our staff to have someone who looks out for them too.”
What Steve Laser Really Does at Crepe Therapy
The idea of a Community Engagement Manager centers around getting off of phones and screens and coming out of isolation to see and experience the world and people around them. From the moment McQueen met Laser she could tell he would bring her vision to life. The role wasn’t exactly what Laser had expected, but it quickly became something he loved.
“It’s the dream job I never dreamed of,” Laser explained. “I love it when people find this place and step out of their comfort zone and make those connections with each other, and to see it actually work is the highlight of my day.”
Laser’s natural gift for making people feel welcome extends far beyond a friendly greeting. He goes out into the surrounding areas to offer a glimpse of the Crepe Therapy connection. The ability to build relationships with guests, staff, and the broader community has helped the French cafe blossom into a lively gathering place over the past few months. For example, the restaurant hosts a game night on Tuesdays, and brings about themed meet-and-greets, all with the benefit of great food and drink.
“We’re not here to change somebody’s whole being,” added Laser. “But if we can make their life a little bit better for 10 or 15 minutes, that’s a win.”
Visit Crepe Therapy on Tuesdays to Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Fridays to Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. or Sundays from 7 a.m to 3 p.m. 2273 31st St., #140, Boulder, crepetherapycafe.com
