At Zell’s Panini & Crepes on South University Boulevard, that wonderfully flexible little French pancake is the centerpiece of a family-owned café built around fresh ingredients, made-to-order food and the idea that a quick meal does not have to taste hurried.
The concept was created by James and Victoria Beatty, local residents whose inspiration came while living and traveling overseas. They fell in love with the light, fast crepes served in European cafés and eventually brought that idea home to Colorado. Zell’s opened its first location in 2022, followed by its Centennial café in 2023.
Today, the Centennial location describes itself as a family kitchen built around one simple idea: use real ingredients and make each guest’s food fresh. Crepe batter is prepared from scratch each morning, while paninis are pressed to order using ingredients such as premium meats, fresh produce and French brie.
Sweet, Savory or Both?
This is one of those menus where choosing may take longer than eating.
If dessert-for-breakfast sounds perfectly reasonable to you, start with the Nutella, Banana & Strawberries Crepe. Zell’s also offers combinations such as apple strudel, cinnamon sugar and lemon, plus seasonal fruit creations. Current menu listings include a Palisade Peaches & Cream Crepe, pairing Colorado peaches with honey over a house crepe.
Prefer lunch? Savory crepes can head in an entirely different direction, with choices that can include chicken, ham, turkey, Italian sausage, pesto, cheeses, vegetables and other fillings. You can also build your own, which turns lunch into a choose-your-own-crepe adventure.
And despite the name, Zell’s is not only about crepes. The café serves fresh-pressed paninis, specialty coffee and whole-fruit smoothies, making it an easy stop when everyone in the group wants something different.
A Thoughtful Option for Gluten-Free Diners
One thing particularly worth knowing before you go: Zell’s puts unusual emphasis on its gluten-free offerings.
The café says it maintains a dedicated gluten-free crepe area, and nearly any crepe can be ordered with gluten-free batter for an additional charge. Gluten- and dairy-free batter is also listed among the build-your-own options. As always, anyone with a serious allergy should speak directly with the restaurant about individual needs and preparation practices.
More Than Crepes
There is another part of the Zell’s story that feels especially at home in Centennial Pulse.
From its early days, the business made supporting education part of its community focus. A company announcement about the Centennial opening reported that Zell’s had already hosted school benefit nights, provided discounted catering for local educators and worked with area churches on community events.
That combination of family ownership, fresh food and neighborhood involvement is exactly the kind of business we love discovering.
Zell’s Panini & Crepes is located at 7521 S. University Boulevard, Unit D13, Centennial. Because the café has recently posted seasonal fall and winter hours, check the website before heading over.
Visit Zell’s Panini & Crepes and explore the current menu
Go savory, go sweet, or surrender to the obvious solution and order one of each.
Be sure to tell Zell’s Panini & Crepes that Centennial Pulse sent you!
39 Comments
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Whole-fruit smoothies plus fresh crepes equals best lunch break. Big fan of the ham and cheese too!
Thank you for sharing your favorites! We love how the menu lets you mix and match, whether you’re in the mood for a classic ham and cheese or something sweet and sippable.
I’m lactose intolerant so grateful they offer dairy-free batter. Not many places in Centennial do.
Didn’t expect much from a strip mall café but turns out Zell’s is a gem. Super clean and cozy too.
If Zell’s ever brings back that strawberry-basil seasonal crepe, get it. Still dreaming of that combo.
That was a special one! Zell’s often rotates seasonal crepes, so it’s always worth keeping an eye on the menu for creative combinations like strawberry-basil.
Prices are a tad high but portion sizes are decent. Freshness makes up for it, IMO.
We appreciate your honest feedback, the focus on fresh, real ingredients is a big part of Zell’s approach, and many guests feel it makes for a satisfying meal.
Appreciate they do community nights and educator catering. That’s the neighborhood feel I look for.
Sophie LinTotally, Sophie! My daughter’s school had a fundraiser night there and they made us feel so welcome. It really brings people together.
French brie on a panini? Might have to cheat on my usual savory crepe next time.
It’s a delicious choice! Zell’s uses premium French brie for their paninis, so you can’t go wrong if you decide to change up your order.
Jeff P.Same here, Jeff! I usually go savory but that gooey brie on a crunchy panini is calling my name. Let us know what you think if you try it!
Saw the family’s story online and loved their travel inspiration. You can really taste the European vibe in the crepes.
Stopped here post-church and was pleasantly surprised. Line moved quick and everything tasted fresh.
I appreciate separate space for gluten-free but always double-check if you have celiac. Cross-contact can be sneaky.
Luz F.Definitely agree, Luz. As much as I like seeing gluten-free options, I still give the staff a heads up every time. Better safe than sorry.
Absolutely, a dedicated gluten-free area is a great step, but it’s always best to consult directly with the staff if you have severe allergies or celiac concerns.
Cool that you can build your own savory crepe! I’ve mixed turkey, sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese. Try it.
Anyone else wish they were open later for dessert runs? Fall hours threw me off last week.
derek_smithYes! I drove by after 7 hoping for a crepe last weekend and they were already closed. Hoping maybe they’ll do extended hours again in the spring.
My kids are obsessed with the cinnamon sugar crepe. We never leave without splitting one.
Apple strudel crepe with a cappuccino = weekend perfection. Brings back Paris memories for me!
I always love when small businesses do things for schools. The staff here actually cares.
Went for the crepes, came back for the paninis. Brie and turkey is hands-down my favorite so far.
Sounds like you’ve found your favorite combo! Zell’s prides itself on keep guests coming back with both crepes and paninis made fresh to order.
Anyone tried the smoothies? How’s the mango one?
Thanks for asking! Zell’s whole-fruit smoothies, including the mango, are a customer favorite for their fresh flavor, definitely worth a try if you enjoy something refreshing alongside your meal.
Honestly, I walk in with a plan for savory and leave with a lemon sugar crepe EVERY time. No regrets.
Glad they use real ingredients but wish the gluten-free upcharge was lower. Still, happy to have options.
Bernie TimmonsI hear you, Bernie. The upcharge adds up if you go often. Still, it’s nice to have somewhere safe to eat with friends, even if it costs a little more.
I usually order the Italian sausage crepe but last week made my own combo with pesto, spinach and brie. Might be my new go-to.
Never knew Zell’s offered gluten- and dairy-free crepes. That’s a game changer for my wife. Looks like next date night is sorted!
My daughter’s school had a benefit night here last fall. The staff is super friendly and the paninis are LEGIT.
Can confirm: dessert-for-breakfast is the way. Can’t go wrong with Nutella, banana and strawberries.
Always love a place that doesn’t rush your meal. My gluten-free friend is obsessed with their dedicated crepe area, feels safe actually eating out.
Tried Zell’s for brunch last month and still thinking about that Palisade Peaches & Cream crepe. That was summer on a plate. The coffee is great too!
Jason McBrideThat crepe is my go-to when peaches are in season. Their coffee always surprises me too, super smooth and not bitter at all.
So glad you enjoyed your visit! The Palisade Peaches & Cream crepe is a seasonal highlight, and Zell's specialty coffee makes a perfect companion.