Brinstar – Video Game Arcade + Bar and Grill

I had the pleasure of chatting with Brinstar’s owner, Belle Fawcett. I asked her why she chose to open a restaurant with arcade games. She replied “My boyfriend liked beer and video games. And thought other people do too.” She was right, because they keep pretty busy. Read my blog post to learn more about what this unique eatery has to offer.

Why do you choose to offer gluten free options at Brinstar? 

I dined with friends and family who have dietary restrictions. I noticed how often gluten free and vegan options simply didn’t exist for them. At our restaurant, I wanted to make sure customers didn’t feel left out.

In addition, I realize that offering safe gluten free options isn’t just a “trend.” People rarely eat out by themselves. By offering gluten free options, we allow families and friends to enjoy each other in community, like everyone else. We’ve even been asked to provide food for local conferences, when their kitchen staff didn’t have options for guests.

Is your menu also free from any other allergens?

We offer Impossible meat for burgers and dairy free cheese for our vegan customers.

What kind of oil do you use for frying/ cooking?

We cook all our gluten free fried foods in soybean oil.

Do you have a separate gluten free menu? 

All gluten free menu items are noted on our main menu. We offer Udi’s buns for gluten free burgers. Out kitchen maintains a dedicated fryer for fresh cut french fries, chicken strips and our homemade falafel. We offer gluten free gravy for our poutine. Most days we prepare at least one gluten free soup.

What steps do you take to prevent cross contact in the kitchen?

While we don’t have a separate gluten free prep space, we take pretty strict precautions. We cook gluten free orders in a separate pan instead of using the flat top. Staff know to change gloves, use separate cutting boards, and grab different utensils. We store all gluten free stuff ingredients on top shelves, to prevent cross contact with gluten from other items

What training do your staff receive on preparing GF meals safely? 

Not only do I train my staff on all the steps to safely prepare a gluten free order, I also train them on WHY it’s important. Again, we know this is not just a fad. The staff here really take it to heart, and are proud of the gluten free food we serve. You can often hear them shout out allergy orders in the kitchen, and they know the steps to take.

I also maintain separate “cheat sheets” near the kitchen. One list includes all of our gluten free options. Staff know to double check that list if they’re unsure or have questions.

Do you have picks or special plates that denote a GF meal?

We don’t currently use special plates or picks for gluten free meals. The gluten free buns look very different than standard buns.

What’s your most popular gluten free menu item?

Our gluten free chicken tenders are pretty popular with our gluten free clients. We offer some great burgers too.

Do you offer gluten free beer or hard cider?

We maintain a full bar, and offer many gluten free alcohol options. We serve Neff gluten free beer, Unity Vibration Hard Kombucha, B. Nectar Mead and Angry Orchard Hard Cider.

Do you have patio seating? Are dogs allowed outside? 

While we do have some seating outside where you can dine, we don’t take orders or serve guests outside. (It’s a licensing issue.)

In the summer, Downtown Midland blocks off a section of Main St, from Ashman to Rodd street. The Commons Pedestrian Plaza offers tables and even outdoor games for the whole family. Customers often order their meal to go and enjoy the outdoors with their family. During the summer months, one can attend many free concerns in that area.

What unique events do you have at your restaurant?

We offer Pinball tournaments on Mondays, and Trivia on Wednesdays. Brinstar offers Bingo as well. As we share on our Facebook page, “escape the insanity of the “real world” and enjoy quality time with family and friends in a fun and entertaining atmosphere.” We suggest calling to reserving a table on Trivia nights, because it’s really popular.

What add’l things would you like my followers to know about your Brinstar?

We offer what I proudly call “Kids Happy Hour.” During Spring Break and all Summer long, we offer $5 kids meals from 11 am to 4 pm. Kids meals options include your choice of choose chicken strips (gluten free), grilled cheese* or hot dog* with fries and hot chocolate, Sprite, Barq’s root beer or Coke. (*not gluten free). We sometimes offer it during other holidays as well.

Do you have parking on premises? Any tips on traveling to your Brinstar? 

While customer parking is available along Main St, we suggest using public parking lots. You can find parking lots near us on the Downtown Midland Parking article. As far as traveling to our restaurant, we’re about 4 miles from US-10, and less than a mile from the Midland Loons Dow Stadium.

Other Places to Visit in Midland, Michigan

As mentioned above, we’re close to the Midland Loons Minor League Baseball Stadium. We highly recommend visiting the Midland Center of the Arts, and the canopy walk at Dow Gardens. Make sure to visit Off the Wheaten Path, Midland’s own dedicated gluten free bakery!

Restaurant Location, Hours and Contact Information

Brinstar

415 E Main St

Midland, MI 48640

(989) 486-1733

Hours – Open at 11 close at 11pm except Fri and Sat open until 2

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Email

Brinstar is one of many Michigan gluten free dining options I recommend on my blog. Looking for options in bigger cities? Check out my suggestions for Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Traverse City. Plus, check out my Michigan gluten free baker list!

As a reminder, no matter where you dine, make sure to ask thorough questions about gluten free food preparation.

The post Brinstar Arcade Bar & Grill Gluten Free Options appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

The Unique History of Salt Springs Brewery

Salt Springs Brewery, located in Saline Michigan, resides in an old church. Built in 1899 as a Saline Methodist Episcopal Church, the building maintains beautiful stained glass windows. Read more about the building’s history in this Sun Times article.

Why does Salt Springs Brewery choose to offer gluten-free options?

Our chef’s cooking style naturally aligned with gluten-free preparation, which can be described as “simple food with skillful preparation.” His diverse experience in managing various restaurants and corporate dining settings has exposed him to a wide range of cuisines and techniques. This allows him to create dishes that are both accessible and expertly crafted. The gluten-free aspect of our menu naturally complements his approach.

Is your menu also free from any other allergens?

Our menu is diverse with many options. We strive to accommodate various dietary restrictions and allergens. Our service staff can work with customers to identify safe menu options based on their specific needs.

What kind of oil do you use for frying?

We use canola oil for frying.

Do you have a separate gluten-free menu?

Our regular menu clearly indicates gluten-free options, with special markings to help customers easily identify suitable choices. We offer multiple gluten free appetizers, gluten free buns for burgers and sandwiches, and many gluten free entrees.

Do you have a separate prep area for gluten-free dishes?

Our kitchen is a mixed allergen environment. Please let us know of any allergies or restrictions so that we may take proper steps to eliminate cross contact.

What steps do you take to prevent cross contact?

We implement several safety measures including:

• Staff will change gloves for gluten-free orders
• We prepare food with separate cutting boards and utensils
• We maintain dedicated fryers and cooking equipment
• Staff use clean pans for gluten free food preparation

What training do your staff receive on preparing GF meals safely?

Our staff undergoes comprehensive training on gluten-free food handling. This includes cross-contact prevention and food allergen awareness.

Do you have picks or special plates that denote a GF meal?

Our gluten-free menu items are easily identifiable as they are each unique dishes.

What’s your most popular gluten-free menu item?

By far our most popular gluten free dish is our Fish & Chips. We use Lake Superior white fish, prepared with gluten-free batter. We serve it with tartar sauce and french fries.

Don’t live near Saline? Check out my list of other Michigan restaurants offering gluten free fried fish.

Do you offer gluten-free desserts?

We offer two gluten free dessert options. Our most popular dessert is our GF Cookie Sundae. We serve this decadent dessert in a skillet, topped with Guernsey Farms vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, Heath bits, and whipped cream. !

We also offer a GF Chocolate truffle cake, served with a tart passion fruit sauce. 

Do you offer gluten-free beer/hard cider/wine?

We offer our own hard cider, a seltzer, wine, and spirits. We do not have GF beer as our brewing equipment would not allow for the appropriate cleaning procedures.

Do you have any weekly specials?

We offer rotating weekly specials. Please check our current menu or social media for the latest offerings. Also, kids eat free on Tuesdays, and we offer happy hour Tuesday through Friday, from 3-5 PM. During this time we offer 50% off drafts & $2 off appetizers.

Do you have patio seating? Are dogs allowed outside?

We feature the best outdoor experience in the area. We recently constructed a new pergola. It includes infrared heaters, roll-down screens, and a louvered ceiling. It has all the amenities needed for the best enjoyment of the outdoors. We do not allow dogs.

What unique events do you have at your restaurant?

We offer a 5-course pairing meal once a month on Mondays. We haven’t done a gluten-free one yet, but we’ll make sure you’re the first to know when we do! Guests can view our event calendar at this link.

Do you have parking on premises?

There is convenient city parking surrounding our building. There is a parking lot behind our building with ample parking, and a handicap accessible entrance. You can find a map on our website which denotes parking near the building.

What additional things would you like followers to know?

Keep an eye on our social media! We actively post to keep everyone updated on what we’re doing!

What Other Attractions are in Saline?

Saline is located about 20 minutes southwest of Ann Arbor, and situated on US 12. There is the most adorable candy store, Eleanor’s Sweets and Sodas, located across the street from Salt Springs Brewery. Rumor has it that Carrigan Cafe in Saline offers gluten free baked goods from Rumi’s Passion.

Per Ann Arbor.org, “special annual and seasonal events in Saline include Oktoberfest, the Saline Celtic Festival, the Summer Music Series, the Saline Summerfest, the Harvest of the Arts Oktoberfest, and the Saline Winterfest which are all held in the streets of downtown Saline.”

Saline also offers a weekly Farmers Market in the warmer months. Visit the Saline Main Street website to learn about more activities in the area.

Restaurant Location, Hours and Contact Information

Salt Springs Brewery

117 S Ann Arbor St, Saline, MI 48176

Website | Facebook | Instagram

(734) 295-9191

Hours: CLOSED Monday, Open 11:30-8 Sun, Tues & Wed, 11:30-9 Fri & Sat

Salt Springs Brewery is one of many Michigan gluten free dining options I recommend on my blog. Looking for options in bigger cities? Check out my suggestions for Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Traverse City. Plus, check out my Michigan gluten free baker list!

The post Salt Springs Brewery Gluten Free Options appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

My husband and I stopped at Flights of Fancy in January 2025 for a late lunch. We enjoyed a great meal. In addition, I had ample time to talk with one of the owners and the head chef. The answers that follow are from co-owner, Kristen Robinette.

Why did you choose to offer gluten free items at Flights of Fancy?

As someone with Celiac Disease, I wanted to offer dining options with a larger variety than your typical restaurant. We can do so by using fresh ingredients, scratch made items, and working with allergy conscious vendors.

Is your menu also free from any other allergens? I.e, nuts, dairy?

We can tend to most allergy needs. The customer needs to let the server know, and we will do our best to accommodate.

Do you have a separate gluten free menu?

Our entire menu can be prepared gluten free with 4 substitutions. Those substitutions include toast points, flatbreads, burger buns, and pasta. We have tasted every substitution to assure the quality and flavor of each item is maintained. We advise our guests to always let the server know it is an allergy to assure extra precautions.

What steps do you take to prevent cross contact in the kitchen?

First, staff know to change gloves with every gluten free order. Gluten free meals are prepared on separate cutting boards with separate utensils. Staff use separate pots for boiling gluten free pasta.

Our fryers and griddle tops are completely gluten free. All gluten free meal tickets are handled with strict precautions.

What training do your staff receive on preparing gluten free meals safely?

We educate about the actual disease and severity. In addition, we do ingredient quizzes and food recognition tests. We assure they know how to order and note allergies as well as identify gluten free items in the window, to avoid issues. We do ongoing reminders and knowledge quizzes to keep them aware and conscious of all allergies.

Do you have a separate prep area for gluten free dishes?

Our kitchen has numerous dedicated gluten free areas, including all our fryers. We keep our gluten containing items in separate areas to prevent cross contact.

What kind of oil do you use for frying/ cooking?

We use canola oil.

What’s your most popular gluten free menu item?

Our entire menu. We have French onion soup, which is often hard to find gluten free. Instead of using bread, our gluten free French Onion Soup is topped with fried onions.

We also have delicious flatbreads. The gluten free crust is fluffy and tasty. The Cloud Nine flatbread is my absolute favorite. It has hand whipped alfredo, cauliflower, crispy potatoes, caramelized onion, and a truffle oil drizzle.

Do you offer gluten free desserts at Flights of Fancy?

Yes, we have many gluten free options and many more to come. We have gluten free creme brulee, warm cookies and a decadent sundae.

Do you offer gluten free beer/ hard cider/ wine?

We have gluten free beer, wine, and cider.

Do you have patio seating? Are dogs allowed outside?

We just built a patio and are certainly dog friendly. We will be hosting many dog-friendly events once the weather warms up.

What unique events do you have at your restaurant? Karaoke? Trivia? Concerts?

We plan on hosting numerous events. We are starting with live music January 31st from 5pm-8pm. Some other events include Galentine’s Day, Bourbon and Bonfires, restaurant week, and exclusive wine dinners.

I advise becoming a frequent flyer by joining our loyalty program. (Find the sign up form towards the bottom of our website.) This will keep you updated with upcoming events, new dishes, and exciting news.

What add’l things would you like my followers to know about your business?

We are excited to bring something fun and new to the area. With our menu, we want you to travel the world by taste and experience. In addition, we offer private event space.

Do you have parking on premises? Any tips on traveling to your business?

We have plenty of parking. It is right off M59, after the car wash. Drive slowly, because it is a fast-moving street, and many people may miss it.

Flights of Fancy Location, Hours and Contact Information

Flights of Fancy Restaurant

7265 Highland Rd
Waterford Twp, MI 48327
(248) 618-3335
Hours: Wed- Sat 11 am – 10 pm, Sun 11 am – 9 pm CLOSED Monday & Tuesday

Now Serving Brunch – Sat 11 am – 2 pm, Sun 10 am – 3 pm

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Email

Flights of Fancy is one of many Michigan gluten free dining options I recommend on my blog. Looking for options in bigger cities? Check out my suggestions for Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Traverse City. Plus, check out my Michigan gluten free baker list!

The post Flights of Fancy Restaurant Gluten Free Options appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

How Did You Hear About Hop Hog?

I learned about Hop Hog in a Grand Rapids Area Facebook group many years ago. I finally had the opportunity to visit their Lowell location in the summer of 2024. Before dining, I had the opportunity to speak with owner David Harvey and head chegg Sheila Wilder. Below are some of their answers to FAQ about their menu and gluten free food prep.

Why do you choose to offer gluten free items? 

Owner David Harvey has a long culinary history. He worked in restaurants such as Johnny Carino’s, Gilmore Collection restaurants, as well as The Winchester & Donkey Taqueria. Throughout the years, people would frequently ask questions about gluten free and food allergy options.

He took it up on himself to listen and learn. He even made a study guide for the staff to be able to have more knowledge. It was very comprehensive and it took a lot of work to maintain as our menu changed wildly every season.

When David decided it was time to open his own restaurant, he knew from day one that he wanted to make gluten free and food allergy options the standard, not the exception. David told me “Running a restaurants is hard, and doing Gluten Free the right way is even harder. But it is so immensely rewarding.”

Is your menu also free from any other allergens? I.e, nut free, dairy free?

Our menu features BBQ, burgers, chicken tenders and fries. We also offer pasta. Our kitchens contain no peanuts, tree nuts or shellfish. No egg containing foods are cooked in our fryers.

What kind of oil do you use for frying/cooking at Hop Hog?

We choose not to use soy oil because of food allergies. We fry our food in sunflower oil, which has a hi-olec, which means it sheens off so the items do not stay greasy or get soggy. Sunflower oil also has a longer fry life, meaning with proper cleaning it will last longer.

Do you have a separate gluten free menu? 

We do in fact have a separate gluten friendly menu. However, our regular menu also highlights “gluten friendly” items. We use the term “gluten friendly” to distinguish ourselves from a completely 100% gluten free restaurant, such as Papa Chops. We know people may not necessarily like that phrase, but we think that it’s important to make that distinction.

What steps do you take to prevent cross contact in the kitchen?

We start by making the majority of our menu without gluten containing ingredients. The utensils that we use on the expo side of the line to put the sides on the plates are ALWAYS gluten free. When the server denotes that the gluten friendly items are an ALLERGY, the kitchen knows to be very careful.

Staff use all new items for preparing the food. One of the other things we do is we have a “bun warmer” that is used for the gluten items to toast the buns. When a gluten free order comes in, we toast gluten free buns in the oven.

Does Hop Hog Have a Dedicated gluten free fryer? 

All three fryers at both the Greenville and Lowell location are completely gluten free. That means anything deep fried food on our menu is totally gluten free. Neither location even has all purpose flour in their kitchen anymore.

Do you have picks or special plates that denote a GF meal?

Yes, and we learned about them from you! Thank you for sharing these picks* with us. We’re willing to take all the extra steps we can take to help our Celiac customers feel more secure in dining with us. *Amazon Affiliate Link

What’s your most popular gluten free menu item at Hop Hog?

This is hard to pinpoint, since all of our smoked meats are gluten free. I’d say the favorite options among our gluten free clientele are the fish and chips, chicken tenders, nashville hot chicken sandwich or the fried pickles. Most gluten free people love the fact that they can have anything that’s deep fried. Knowing they can have fried chicken (tenders or nashville sandwich), just blows them out of the water.

Do you offer gluten free desserts?

Yes! We’ve recreated our famous carrot cake to be entirely gluten free.

Do you offer gluten free beer/ hard cider/ wine? 

We offer locally made Painted Hard Turtle Cider. If you haven’t had a chance to visit their orchards, plan to leave some time and visit them in person! We also plan to serve Groundbreaker Brewing beer. In addition, we also serve wine by the glass, and Michigan made Gypsy Vodka.

Do You Offer Any Weekly Specials?

On Mondays we offer Burger & Beer Night for $10. Unfortunately, we don’t have gluten friendly beer for this deal. We do offer Burger & Soda for $9, Burger & Wine for $11 and Burger & Cider for $12. (Burgers also come with house made chips.) However please note that there is an additional charge for the Udi’s gluten free bun.

We also offer a lunch menu. Our Lightning Lunch Menu is designed to be size appropriate and quick. In includes more than 10 items for $10 and under, Sun-Fri from 11am-4pm.

While we do offer family meal deals, we do not currently have a gluten free version.

Does Hop Hog Offer Catering?

We offer catering, and the majority of our catering menu is prepared gluten friendly.

Do you have patio seating? Are dogs allowed outside? 

We have a patio at each location. The Greenville location has a very large greenspace that includes an edible garden. Last year we grew tomatoes, zucchini, melons, jalapenos, rosemary, mint & more. We have full permission from the health department to use this produce at the Greenville location.

Lowell has a smaller but very charming patio. It did not get much use in 2024 as we were still getting used to normal dining but will certainly be used in 2025. They are both pet friendly to all nice and friendly doggos.

What unique events do you have at your restaurant? Karaoke? Trivia? Concerts?

The Greenville location has live music every Friday & Saturday evening from 6-9 pm. The Greenville location also has Keno & Pull Tabs. Keep an eye on the events tab on our Greenville Facebook page for future activities.

What additional things would you like my followers to know about your business?

The Lowell location is within the Social District, which allows you to take alcoholic beverages to go. Both restaurants brew their own beer on premise. While none of those beers are GF, we do offer GF beer from Groundbreaker.

The main thing that I would want your followers to understand is we are committed to offering an ever expanding gluten free menu. That includes reworking existing menu items to make them gluten friendly. Our baked beans is our latest example of that.

All menu development focuses on not just “good enough for gluten free.” We want our entire menu to be excellent, regardless of ingredients. For too long, people with Celiac have had to deal with substandard products with a hefty price tag. We want to do better than that.

Do you have parking on premises? Any tips on traveling to your business? 

There is ample parking at either of our restaurant locations. We hope you’ll be able to come visit us soon!

Hop Hog Location, Hours and Contact Information

Hop Hog – Greenville

1310 W Washington St

Greenville MI 48838

Phone: (616) 712-6226

Hours: Mon – Thurs 11 am – 9 pm/ Fri- Sat 11 am – 9:30 pm / Sun 11-8

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Email

Hop Hog – Lowell

318 E Main St

Lowell, MI 49331

Phone Number:(616) 987-3155

Hours: Mon – Thurs 11 am – 9 pm/ Fri- Sat 11 am – 9:30 pm / Sun 11-8

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Email

Hop Hog is one of many Michigan gluten free dining options I recommend on my blog. Looking for options in bigger cities? Check out my suggestions for Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Traverse City. Plus, check out my Michigan gluten free baker list!

The post Hop Hog Gluten Free Options appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Where is Public House Food + Drink Located?

Public House is located in downtown Monroe, MI. Monroe is located on the western shores of Lake Erie approximately 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Toledo, Ohio, and 40 miles (64 km) southwest of Detroit.

Public House Food + Drink in Monroe is part of the Social District, which allows people to enjoy legal adult beverages outside. Outdoor seating is available at the restaurant, and dogs are even welcome to sit outside on the patio!

What Gluten Free Options are Available at Public House in Monroe?

Virtually all of our menu can be prepared gluten free. We have a dedicated fryer, grill, toaster, waffle iron and utensils. Our cooks change their gloves and follow all procedures.

We also have gluten free bread, house croutons and pasta. In addition, our pastry chef has at least 1 and sometimes up to 3 gluten free desserts. Let your server know of your gluten sensitivities and they can give you all your options!

Why did you choose to offer such an extensive gluten free menu?

We have a family member with a severe allergies, however it is to fish and shellfish. Over the years, it made us aware of ingredients in condiments, etc. For example, some Worcestershire sauces contains anchovies! So when we started getting requests for gluten free foods, we took it seriously.

What other dietary restrictions does Public House Food + Drink accommodate?

We accommodate dairy free, vegetarian and vegan dining needs! Customers can request Daiya cheese for their meal, and one of their popular vegan dishes is Asian Cauliflower.

Of course always ask our servers if you have a food allergy concern. For example, our french onion soup (as are all french onion soups) is made with beef broth. However some people assume french onion soup is vegetarian.

What kind of oil do you use for frying?

We use soybean oil for all fried foods.

Are there any other unique menu features you’d like my followers to know? 

We use local grass fed beef, and all of our sauces, dips and desserts are made in house.

We partner with many Michigan and local vendors whenever we can. Sometimes it is not possible to get the quantity of an ingredient we need from local purveyors, but we try to support small business. For example, we are able to get pure Michigan maple syrup from Curry Farms in Charlevoix. We serve coffee from local Frenchtown Roasters. Find a list of our partners on our website.

We have a dedicated pastry chef that creates our desserts from fresh, REAL ingredients; butter, eggs, cream, cream cheese, etc. And of course also creates gluten free AND vegan desserts.

I know you have many special events, such as Afternoon Teas and Food & Wine dinners. Are gluten free options available for those events? 

Regarding special events, yes we do offer gf options for all of them! In addition, we happily offer substitutions and additions to any of our menu items, although some may have an additional cost and some do not.

Do you have any connection to the Public House restaurant in Ferndale? 

People often ask us this. However, we are not affiliated with Public House in Ferndale.

Restaurant Location, Hours and Contact Information

Public House Food + Drink is one of many Michigan gluten free dining options I recommend on my blog. Looking for options in bigger cities? Check out my suggestions for Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Traverse City. Plus, check out my Michigan gluten free baker list!

The post Public House Food + Drink – Monroe, MI appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Why did you decide to start offering gluten free options at The Filling Station?

Several of our family members have celiac disease. The Filling Station has given us an opportunity to guarantee our loved ones and our community a safe dining experience.

We have always been passionate about our allergen procedures and training our teams working in the restaurant industry because we believe everyone should be able to eat out safely.

What are your gluten free/ allergen procedures?

We minimize cross contact with a dedicated gluten free prep space and dedicated gluten free utensils. Our kitchen staff must wash their hands and use fresh gloves when they begin a gluten free order. Our kitchen staff must also re-wash hands and apply new gloves if at anytime there is a chance of cross contamination.

Is your menu free from other allergens as well? What oil do you use for frying?

We do not use peanuts anywhere in our back kitchen, and our standard fryer uses a soy oil blend. In addition, we offer wagyu tallow as a gluten free frying alternative. Proteins are cooked in clarified butter, but we can cook in oil as a dairy-free alternative. For those avoiding meat, we offer a portabella mushroom burger and a black bean burger as as well.

What kind of gluten free options are on The Filling Station menu?

All of our sides are gluten free if you specify this preference so we are alerted to use our dedicated gluten free fryer (fries, tater tots, sweet potato waffle fries, house-made chips, hand-cut tallow fries, and coleslaw).

Additionally, the following burgers are gluten free if you order as a lettuce wrap or on our gluten free bun; beef, pork, lamb, turkey, salmon, duck, mushroom, and carnivore (wagyu, wild boar, elk & bison). We are focused on using high quality proteins free from hormones and antibiotics. 

Our house salad, loaded tots, and spinach dip are gluten free starters, and most of our milkshakes (minus cookies & cream and cheesecake) are delicious gluten free dessert options.

What We Ordered

My husband ordered the Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Portabella Burger. It’s available gluten free, and it is DELICIOUS. His sandwich came with waffle fries and they were cooked to perfection.

I ordered a basic cheeseburger with smoked gouda cheese, and it did not disappoint. Life is always better with tater tots, in my opinion. I really appreciated that our burgers came with “allergy” picks, to help notate they were gluten free.

Does The Filling Station offer gluten free beer or hard ciders?

We are currently in the licensing process to produce and serve our very own crafted hard cider! We will have 4 taps with offerings such as “Pina Popper” (pineapple & chipotle cider) and “Baba Yaga” (barrel aged blueberry almond cider)

The Filling Station also offers mocktails. My husband ordered the “Sweet Mocktail,” which was reminiscent of the Freckled Lemonade at Red Robin. I ordered the Orange Fanta, which of course is always wonderful.

What else would you like my readers to know about your business?

We offer BOGO Free on all full sized burgers and handhelds Wednesday – Sunday from 2pm-4pm. The offer is dine in only and one burger per person. We also offer catering, and would love to be able to feed your friends and family!

Where’s the best place for customers to park? 

We have a dedicated parking lot outside of our restaurant.

The Filling Station Location, Hours and Contact Information

9260 Cooley Lake Rd

White Lake Charter Township, MI 48386

(248) 779-7571

Hours: Wednesday thur Sunday 12 pm – 9 pm

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Email

The Filling Station is one of many Michigan gluten free dining options I recommend on my blog. Looking for options in bigger cities? Check out my suggestions for Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Traverse City. Plus, check out my Michigan gluten free baker list!

The post The Filling Station- Gluten Free in White Lake, MI appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Why did you decide to start offering gluten free options at Broasted Brothers?

We started offering gluten free because of both of  our wives’ gluten allergies. They asked us to offer it since the beginning of the store but we ignored them. now we hear “iI told you so.” Turns out just two weeks ago my brother has been tested and also has allergy issues to gluten and soy.

Do you accommodate other allergens? What kind of oil do you use?

The gluten free chicken is also dairy free. We have just recently switched from soy to canola oil about two weeks ago. We never use peanut oil.

What are your procedures for making gluten free orders?

We always change gloves or wash hands when dealing with gluten free orders. We prepare the gluten free inside of the walk-in cooler to best keep the wheat flour away from the gluten free chicken. Currently we have two separate gluten free fryers, used only for gluten free chicken and wedges.

What gluten free options are on your menu?

Any of our chicken can be made gluten free (bone-in, tenders, and wings). Also we just started a chicken sandwich and fish. We also will be starting gluten free shrimp in the near future. Also all of our sides are gluten free, except for the Mashed potatoes and the Macaroni and cheese.

Do you offer any gluten free desserts? 

All of our shakes are gluten free. Recently we added a chocolate Molten lava cake to our menu, and will be soon adding another chocolate cake.

What are your hours of operation? 

During the week we are open Tuesday thru Friday from 11AM-9PM. Saturday we are open 12PM-9PM, and Sunday we are open from 12PM-8PM.

Where should customers park?

We are located in the Sheldon Place Plaza on the corner of 5 mile and Sheldon Rd. There is ample parking in front of our store front. We’re in the same plaza as Busch’s Food Market, and across the street from St. Johns Resort.

Do you offer catering? 

Yes, we offer catering and we have hot boxes to hold the food warm for 6 hours. We also have chafing dishes as well. We can deliver with our catering van or it can be picked up.

What else would you like my readers to know about your business? 

We are family owned and operated and we love being part of the gluten free community. They really have embraced us and what we are doing. 

Broasted Brothers Location, Hours and Contact Info

15171 Sheldon Rd, Plymouth MI 48170

(734) 892-2900

Hours: Monday-Friday 11 am – 9 pm / Saturday 12-9 pm / Sunday 12-8 pm

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Other Gluten Free Options in Metro Detroit

Broasted Brothers is one of many Michigan gluten free dining options. Focused on the Metro Detroit options? Find more restaurant recommendations in my Detroit Gluten Free Dining Guide. Craving something sweet? Check out my list of Michigan gluten free bakers.

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I first learned about Burger 21 through the Tri County Celiac Support Group. Burger 21 frequently hosts fundraiser nights, in connection with local non-profits. After trying their burgers and fries during the Tri County fundraiser, I’ve been hooked ever since. 

Tell Me About Burger 21’s Gluten Free Philosophy 

Burger 21 started in 2010, an off shoot of The Melting Pot. The Melting Pot, having been trained by the Gluten Intolerance Group, continued that care for allergens when they started Burger 21. I connected with Cindy Cady, from the Burger 21 corporate office, to ask why offering gluten free options was so important them.

“Burger 21 promises to deliver the best burger experience, ever. This includes guests with dietary preferences, allergens, and sensitivities. The amount of guest requests for GF options were phenomenal! The “no bun” or “lettuce bun” options were not enough for us. Burger 21 sourced an exceptional GF bun that allows our guests to enjoy our Chef crafted burgers the same way our non-GF guests enjoy!

How Does Burger 21 Prevent Crosss Contact? Do You Use Dedicated Fryers? 

“To start, let’s wash our hands and change our gloves. All areas of the kitchen (grills, fryers, and all other equipment) have specific areas to ensure we are taking all necessary steps to prevent any cross contact. After gluten free items are prepared, they are placed on a separate serving tray or carry-out bag with a bright green “GF” sticker.” (Staff cook french fries in soy based oil.)”

What Food Allergen Training Does your Staff Receive?

“Upon being hired, all team members take part in allergen training during their initial training period. We include reading material in the training manuals, but the most important part is the hands-on training; actually seeing how careful menu items are prepared and handled. After the initial training period, from the corporate level, we offer on-going training material to managers and team members, as well as regular communication on proper protocols.”

What Gluten Free Options Does Burger 21 Offer? Are There Kids Meals?

As the name suggests, the majority of the menu offers burgers and fries. However, they also offer grilled chicken tenders, Impossible Burger Patties, and salads. (All salad dressings are gluten free.) Check out the Burger 21’s Dietary Preferance Guide to see all the available gluten free options. Save room for a tasty milkshake! 

Does Burger 21 Offer GF Kid’s Meals? Yes! They offer gluten free cheeseburgers, grilled chicken, and grilled cheese upon request. Kids meals include a choice of grapes or french fries, and a kid sized fountain drink, milk, apple juice or lemonade. (Kids meals available for children 10 and under. All items may not be available at all locations.)

What Do You Order? (Fries. Always Fries.) 

From the Burger 21 menu, I often order a #2, “cheesy,” which is a plain cheeseburger, on a gluten free bun. Since I can’t decide whether I want the plain or sweet potato fries, my husband and I order a “half and half” order of fries. These fries are so good, they don’t need any dipping sauce. But if you want some, the majority of their sauces are gluten free. (Not the Thai Ketchup or Toasted Marshmallow.) 

My husband also likes their beef hot dogs, but they do not have gluten free hot dog buns at this time. On the days when I especially want to treat myself, I order one of the milkshakes. The signature Bananas Foster shake is gluten free. (As are the vanilla, chocolate and strawberry milkshakes.) 

I Don’t Live in Michigan. Where Else is Burger 21 Located?

There are 14 locations total. This includes 4 locations in Florida, 2 in Georgia, 1 in Illinois, 1 in Michigan, 1 in New york, 1 in New Mexico, 2 in North Carolina and 2 in Virginia. (Plus 2 in the Tampa, FL airport.) This surprised me, because I feel this amazing concept should be available to more people. (Some locations are franchised, while others are corporate owned and operated.)

I asked Cindy Cady, “what would someone need to do if they wanted to open a Burger 21 location? “A person interested in owning their own Burger 21 would need to contact the corporate office at 813-327-7870 and express their interest. The Burger 21 leadership team meets with all potential candidates, and through much research and discussion, decisions are made!

What Else Is There to Do in Novi? 

Novi, situated along 1-96, offers many fun opportunities. Near the restaurant sits IFly, an indoor skydiving attraction. Looking to keep your feet on the ground? Novi is home to two great shopping centers; Novi Town Center and Twelve Oaks Mall. Personally, I like to stop at the Better Health Market. You’ll find lots of great gluten free groceries there, and the biggest selection of dairy free cheese I’ve ever seen!

Just down Grand River Ave, you’ll find Suburban Showplace Collection, home to the Michigan State Fair and many other events. Want to get outdoors? Kensington Metropark is a 25 minute drive from the restaurant. Enjoy their beach, or use the water slide and splash pad, for an additional fee. One can also play golf, disc golf, and more. 

Follow Mrs. Weber’s Neighborhood for more Novi and Metro Detroit activity ideas.

Burger 21 Location, Hours and Contact Information

Burger 21
26425 Novi Rd Suite F
Novi, MI 48375
(248) 513-4333
Sun- Wed 11 am – 8 pm, Thurs 11 am – 9 pm, Fri & Sat 11 am – 9:30 pm
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Burger 21 is one of many Michigan restaurants I’ve visited. You can a list of them on my  Michigan gluten free dining post. Please remember to always ask any restaurant about their food preparation practices.

Disclaimer, from Cindy Cady, at the corporate office. 

“I would also like to add that while we cannot guarantee that all items served at Burger 21 are Certified Gluten Free, we do our best to take every precaution to make items Gluten Friendly.

Guests with allergies, sensitivities, and dietary preferences can visit out website and see our specific nutrition guidelines that allows a guest to see specifically what menu items contain which allergens. With a changing menu, we do our best to keep these nutrition guidelines up to date, but they could contain some outdated menu items. When in doubt, they can always speak to a manager at any Burger 21 location.”

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When Culver’s originally started offering gluten free buns in 2015, they stated that all of their staff have been trained by their corporate office. They did not mention whether this training was in conjunction with GIG, NFCA, or another trusted gluten free organization.

Does Culver’s Have a Separate Gluten Free Menu?

Culver’s offers a “Mindful Choices Around Gluten” menu. This is in addition to the individual listing of all of their ingredients and their individual allergens, which is listed on the Culver’s website.

How Does Culver’s Notate a Gluten Free Order?

They also notated my order with an exclamation point which highlighted !FoodAllergy!. I was also blessed that the friendly gentleman taking our order has a sister with Celiac Disease, so he took extra care taking our order! I had previously checked to make sure that the meat was not grilled in the same place as their buns, as their website said that was possible.

What are the Gluten Free Bun Ingredients?

Culver’s uses Rotella Gluten-Free Buns. Per the Culver’s website, the ingredients are

Water, Modified Starch, Rice Flour and Rice Starch, Chickpea, Granulated Sugar, Faba Bean Protein, Canola Oil, Salt, Yeast, Sorbitan Monostearate, Ascorbic Acid, Pea Fiber, Modified Cellulose, Cultured Brown Rice, Brown Rice, Xanthan Gum, Psyllium Husk Powder
CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE

Please note that the ingredient list is slightly different than what is listed on the Rotella website. Rotella specifically makes this bun for Culver’s, to offer a “vegan” type bun. (It is not certified vegan.)

Do Gluten Free Buns Cost Extra?

Each Culver ‘s restaurant is independently owned and operated and will make their own decision on this. My location charges extra, and alerted me of that prior to ordering.

Are Culver’s French Fries Gluten Free?

So, the Culver’s Nutrition & Allergen Information allows customers to use a “lifestlye & allergen filter” to find menu items that fit your dietary needs. When you select “avoid gluten,” the Crinkle Cut Fries are listed as gluten free.

HOWEVER, when one goes to their Ingredient Statement website, it specifically states the following for their Crinkle Cut Fries-

Potatoes, Vegetable Oil (Contains One or More of the Following: Canola, Palm, Soybean, Sunflower), Modified Food Starch (Potato, Corn, Tapioca), Rice Flour, Dextrin, Salt, Leavening (Disodium Dihydrogen Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate), Dextrose, Xanthan Gum. Cooked in Canola Oil. (Cross-contact occurs with other allergens, including gluten, during cooking).

Which of Culver’s Sides are Gluten Free?

These are the following items that Culver’s lists as gluten free – Coleslaw, Mott’s Applesauce, and steamed broccoli. The Mashed Potatoes contain no gluten ingredients, as long as you order them without gravy.

Are ButterBurgers Grilled on the Same Surface where Wheat Buns are Toasted?

While they do their best to minimize cross-contact, Culver’s restaurants are not gluten-free environments and cross-contact with other food items that contain gluten is possible.
 (**Their beef pot roast is not cooked on a grill and therefore eliminates cross contact.) 

At my local location they have a separate toaster for their regular buns. Make sure to check with your location on this. The staff did mention that the grilled cheese is also cooked on the grill, but they have a dedicated section of the grill where they don’t grill anything else. If concerned after asking about this, I would ask if they can cook your meat patty on aluminum foil.

Do I Feel Safe Eating at Culver’s?

All in all, my husband and I agreed that we had a great experience, and anticipate that we would be interested in going again. At the bottom of the receipt it had directions for taking an online survey. As I have a smartphone, I was able to do it on premises and received a free cup of custard. Free ice cream is always a plus in my book!

I paid for my own meal and was in no way persuaded or reimbursed for my opinions. I provide this post simply to educate my readers about the experience I had and o suggest they make an informed decision about their dining experiences

Updated July 2024

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