Breadless – Dedicated Gluten Free in Detroit

Breadless in Detroit takes the bunless sandwich option to a new level. This 100% gluten free eatery uses a variety of sturdy greens and gluten free meats to make creative and delicious grain free sandwiches.

Sandwiches Made from Greens? 

I will be the first to admit that I wasn’t sure I was going to like Breadless. I’m a girl who loves her carbs. And while I like spinach and lettuce, I’d never really eaten turnip or spinach greens, let alone chard or Dino kale. However, my husband and I were pleasantly surprised at just how much we LOVED our meal. 

After dining at Breadless, I reached out to LaTresha Howland, one of the co-founders of Breadless. I was so intrigued about their concept, and wanted to be able to share more about their mission with my readers. The text that follows are direct answers from her. 

Why Did Breadless Choose to Open a 100% Gluten Free Restaurant?

As a blogger, I’m just as interested in the “why” as the “what.” All too often, we see companies offer gluten free “options,” that may not be prepared in the safest manner. Therefore, I’m very appreciative that Breadless is a 100% gluten free atmosphere. 

LaTresha shared why they opened a dedicated gluten free restaurant. “Breadless was created because our CEO, Marc Howland, struggled for years to find healthy food options that would fit his lifestyle. He had trouble digesting bread, worked long hours in corporate America, and also attempted to stay fit at the same time.

For over 10 years, Marc was the guy going into every restaurant and making special requests. He would ask for a lettuce bun or lettuce wrap instead of bread, and what he got back were “side-eyes” and sloppy iceberg lettuce wraps. Sometimes he just received a protein on a bed of lettuce, that looked like an afterthought.

(Read more about their mission & vision in this Detroit News article.)

Frustration Leads to Inspiration and Innovation

“Marc got so fed up that in early 2019, he texted his then-fiance & now wife & Co-Founder, LaTresha Howland, photos of the lettuce buns, and candidly vented how it was ridiculous that there wasn’t a better alternative to the traditional sandwich. Marc knew that a place needed to exist that was specifically focused on sandwiches that are healthy & delicious without all the carbs and calories as a core product, not an afterthought.

LaTresha agreed that it was a great idea and that she wanted to help, because such a place needed to be accessible everywhere. Up to this point, Marc and LaTresha were just making lettuce sandwiches at home. Both quickly realized they needed someone to help take the menu and concept to the next level. Therefore, they reached out to their friend Ryan Salter, an experienced executive chef, caterer, and restaurant owner.

Ryan came on board and the product evolved completely away from iceberg lettuce to savory sandwiches made with leafy super greens like red swiss chard, turnip greens, kale, & collard greens. He also tailored each sandwich so that the taste profiles were different (and delicious!). We had (3) core sandwiches then: The Garden of Eatin’ (eggplant on collard), Bird is the Word (turkey on turnip), and Chardi B (chicken on swiss chard).”

What Ingredients Does Breadless Use? Are they Certified Gluten Free? Halal? 

While we knew our vision was to have a 100% gluten-free sandwich option that tasted good, Ryan’s culinary background allowed him to take this concept to the next level with a curated, chef-inspired menu aimed at offering something better, premium-even, to future customers.

We all decided to use the freshest, highest quality ingredients, from our partnership with Boar’s Head for our sliced meats, to working with local farms and suppliers for our leafy super greens, produce, and Halal chicken. A majority of our sauces are made in-house. The ones that are not, are kept to the same standards we employ to all of our products (low-sodium, low-sugar, gluten-free).

(Also, all packaging and straws are Eco Friendly.) 

What’s On the Menu at Breadless?

They offer a variety of sandwiches, plus bowls and entrees. All sandwiches can also be served as heated bowls. Find their entire menu on their website.

• SANDWICHES
  • Jerk Chicken & Mango – oven-roasted jerk chicken, peach mango salsa, no added sugar bbq, pepper jack cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh mango slices, onions, wrapped in swiss chard.
  • Avocado Turkey- fresh sliced turkey, avocado spread, champagne vinaigrette, white cheddar cheese, tomatoes, sweet pickles, onions, chopped romaine, wrapped in romaine.
  • Chicken Bacon Ranch – oven-roasted chicken, pork bacon, truffle buttermilk ranch, buffalo hot sauce, white cheddar cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet pickles, arugula, wrapped in swiss chard.
  • Spicy Falafel- smashed falafel, spicy aioli, pickled turnips, arabic pickles, tomatoes, onions, chopped romaine, wrapped in swiss chard.
  • Pastrami Classic – sliced beef pastrami, stone ground mustard, reuben sauce, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, sweet pickles, onions, coleslaw, wrapped in swiss chard.
• BOWLS
  • Southwest Rice Bowl – oven-roasted or jerk chicken, falafel, or house-braised beef, black beans, avocado spread, sour cream, white cheddar cheese, roasted peppers, caramelized onions, brown (or cauli -170 cal) rice.
  • Sweet Potato & Squash Bowl – roasted yellow & green squash, sweet potato, vegan blue cheese, roasted peppers, arugula, braised collards, brown (or cauli -110 cal) rice.
  • Braised Beef & Goat Cheese Bowl – house-braised beef, au jus aioli, honey whipped goat cheese, roasted peppers, caramelized onions, arugula, braised collards, brown (or cauli -120 cal) rice.
• Entrees –
  • BBQ Chicken Plate – oven-roasted chicken, no added sugar bbq, baked beans, roasted peppers, caramelized onions, chopped bacon, brown rice, braised collards.
  • Falafel & Hummus Plate – falafel, homemade hummus, garlic crema, arabic pickles, pickled turnips, roasted peppers, brown rice, fresh greens mix.
  • Braised Beef Plate – house-braised beef topped with au jus, baked beans, roasted corn salad, brown rice, braised collards.

Does Breadless Offer Any Sides?

As far as in-house offerings, we have vegetable chips, potato chips, coleslaw and more.

As for beverages, Breadless offers 2 agua fresca flavors; Pomegranate and Cucumber. They also serve LaCroix and Brix Sodas.

Where is Breadless Located in Detroit?

Breadless is located in Downtown Detroit, on Jefferson, near the Riverfront. (Parking is on Larned St.) It’s located on the Joseph Campau Greenway Connector. The Joseph Campau Greenway extends from the Riverwalk to Vernor Highway, creating a trail for biking and walking. It includes “recreation and play features,” benches and outdoor power stations.  It’s about a quarter mile east of the Dequindre Cut Greenway. 

My husband and I visited Breadless after attending an event at the Eastern Market. Breadless is located about 2 miles from the market, less than a 10 minute drive. It’s a straight 6 min drive from Breadless to the Spirit of Detroit statue. From there, one can get on the Q Line or the People Mover and explore more parts of Downtown Detroit. 

I Wish Breadless was Closer to Me. Do They Have Plans to Expand?

LaTresha answered, “Though we’re highly focused on this location to start, what gets us particularly excited is our vision to create hundreds of entrepreneurs via affordable franchises, including lowering barriers to access to money, all while bringing leafy greens to communities everywhere.”

Breadless opened a second location in Rochester Hills in 2023.

Things to See and Do in Detroit

Detroit is a hub of entertainment and sports. Check out the Detroit Lions (football), Detroit Tigers (baseball), Detroit Pistons (basketball), or the Detroit Red Wings (hockey.) Attend a concert at Fox Theater or the Detroit Masonic Temple. Go to the Detroit Visitors Bureau website for even more ideas.

Other Gluten Free Dining Options in Detroit

I have an entire blog post about gluten free options in Downtown Detroit. Restaurants on that list include Folk Detroit, Frita Batidos, and Buddy’s Pizza.

Breadless Locations, Hours and Contact Information

Original Detroit Location
2761 E Jefferson Suite A,
Detroit, MI 48207
(313) 488-4091

Mon- Sat 10:30 am – 8 pm, Sun 11 am – 6 pm

Rochester MI Location

181 S. Livernois

Rochester Hills Mi 48307

Mon- Sat 10 am – 8 pm, Sun 11 am – 7 pm

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Email

They offer delivery through their website (order.eatbreadless.com), their Breadless app on IOS and Google Play, and also deliver through 3rd parties such as DoorDash, UberEats, GrubHub and EZCatering.

Breadless is one of many Michigan restaurants I’ve visited. You can find a list of them on my Michigan gluten free dining post. Please remember to always ask any restaurant about their food preparation practices.

** I paid full price for my meal. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**