Where is Republica Gastropub?

Republica Gastropub is located in the quaint town of Berkley, Michigan. Berkley is situated approximately 20 miles north west of Detroit and 3 miles northwest of Royal Oak. It’s less than a 10 minute drive from the Detroit Zoo.

Why does Republica choose to offer gluten free items? 

We are a family operated business, open since 2013. My mom and business partner lives with Celiac Disease. When we opened 11 years ago, there were very few restaurants offering gluten free options. (Other than a salad) We decided to be intentional in offering a wider selection of gluten free options on our made from scratch menu.

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

We maintain a peanut free kitchen. Many of our menu items can be made free from other allergens, by request. However, please understand that we do stock dairy, eggs, fish, etc in our kitchen.

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

We cook in butter and olive oil. Our dedicated gluten free fryer uses beef tallow and our regular fryer uses vegetable oil. We prepare all of our salad dressings with extra virgin olive oil, with the exception of our greek dressing. This classic recipe uses vegetable oil. 

Do you have a separate gluten free menu? 

We list all of our gluten free options on our main menu, except for our secret gluten free fish and chips. Our menu also highlights vegetarian and low glycemic index options, such as our Tomato Burrata Flatbread, which is also gluten free.

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

We are not a certified gluten free kitchen. However, we have a dedicated gluten free fryer as well as a dedicated area to toast gluten free buns. All of our items cooked on the flat top are gluten free until they hit the bread, leaving little opportunity for cross contact.

Our salad area is completely gluten free at all times. Our food is all cooked to order in its own pan and washed between each use. We do use great care when cooking our gluten free menu options.

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

Do staff change gloves for gluten free orders?

Yes, our staff knows to change gloves between all orders. 

Separate cutting boards/ knives/ utensils

Staff wash and sanitize cutting boars and knives between each use. 

Separate pots for boiling water?

We do not offer gluten pasta or any gluten items that require boiled water.

Dedicated gluten free fryer?

Yes, we maintain a dedicated gluten free fryer. This means that you can enjoy our award winning Platos Potatoes. These french fries are topped with feta, lemon and oregano.

Dedicated toaster/ waffle maker?

There is no toaster or waffle maker in our restaurant.

Are orders cooked in a clean pan vs shared griddle top? 

We prepare all gluten free orders in clean pans and/ or on a dedicated gluten free flat top. 

What training do your staff receive on preparing Gluten Free meals safely?

We require all staff to be Serve Safe Trained. “The ServSafe Food Handler program is comprehensive and provides training on the following Intended Learning Outcomes: Basic Food Safety, Personal Hygiene, Cross-Contamination and Allergens, Time & Temperature, & Cleaning and Sanitation”

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

We do not serve gluten free meals on special plates, nor we use use allergen picks.

What’s your most popular gluten free menu item?

By far, customers repeatedly order Ma’s Meatloaf, which is gluten free. We serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and top our meatloaf with caramelized onions. We do NOT use oats in our meatloaf.

Does Republica offer gluten free desserts?

Yes, we offer gluten free desserts at Republica. Our desserts are all made in house by my mom. We rotate our desserts daily and frequently offer gluten free options. We also offer custom orders should you need a dessert for a special occasion. 

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

We always have gluten free items on the bar menu. Our cider & wine is always gluten free. We occasionally offer a gluten free beer. 

Do you have parking on premises?

There is public parking in the back of the restaurant. In addition, there is plenty of FREE street parking in downtown Berkley.

Do you have patio seating? Are dogs allowed outside?

Yes and yes! We love dogs.

Do You Offer Any Weekly Specials?

Every Tuesday, kids 12 and under receive a FREE MEAL, with purchase of one adult entree. On Wednesdays, we offer half off all bottles of wine.

We offer Happy Hour every Mon & Tues from 4-6 pm and Wed – Fri from 1-6 pm. During this time we offer $9 Happy Burgers. (Gluten Free Buns are $3 extra.)

Now Offering Brunch

In Spring of 2026, Republica launched their brunch menu. Gluten free brunch items include

• Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
• Beef Brisket Hash
• Scallion Frittata
• Greek yogurt parfait
• Salmon Benedict (with homemade gf salmon cake as a base)
• Prawns and Polenta
• Rumi’s Passion Gluten Free Toast

Other Berkley Attractions

You’ll find quaint shops and activities all year round in Berkley. Other dining options include Vinsetta Garage and The Lunch Cafe. Slow’s Bar BQ will soon be opening a new location in Berkley.

Republica Location, Hours and Contact Info

1999 Coolidge Hwy

Berkley, MI 48072

(248) 268-3175

Hours: Mon & Tuesday 4-9 \ Wed & Thurs 11:30- 9 \ Fri 11:30-10 \ Sat 10-10 \ Sun 10-3

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Email

Republica 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 Republica Gluten Free Options appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

What Do You Order at Anna’s House?

Anna’s House offers a multiude of gluten free options on their menu. They use a color coded key to note items that are naturally gluten free (GF) versus items that have gluten free options. (GFO.) From pancakes to French Toast, and salad and sandwiches, there’s no shortage of options.

In addition to offering gluten free options, I love that they offer pork free sausage! I’ve had their pancakes, breakfast lasagna, sweet potato breakfast hash, and have loved all of it. And of course, I love being able to order gluten free cinnamon rolls at their restaurant. 

An Interview with Anna’s House Staff

I have visited multiple Anna’s House locations over the years. Howeverm I’ve never had the chance to ask management about their gluten free philosophy. Recently, I was able to connect with Tim Fatum, who is the Business Practices Director for Anna’s House restaurants. I’m sharing his direct answers with you, so my followers can learn more about how Anna’s House serves their gluten free guests. 

Why Did Anna’s House Choose to Offer Gluten Free Options? 

A few years after purchasing the first Anna’s House in 2003, owner Josh Beckett began to experience some health issues. In an attempt to improve his health, Josh and his wife Erin started to focus on new dietary options. At that time, the restaurant he owned offered very few choices that would allow him to eat there. From that point forward, Anna’s House has tried to offer many options for a variety of dietary needs, including gluten free.

What Steps Does Anna’s House Take to Prevent Cross Contact? 

Anna’s House is not a 100% gluten restaurant. They do, however, have a dedicated gluten free prep space, to prevent cross contact. They educate staff how to prepare these items which includes handwashing, changing gloves, and utilizing dedicated utensils in a gluten free station. In addition, they train staff in food allergy prep, before they are allowed to cook gluten free orders.

How Are Gluten Free Orders Served to Gluten Free Guests? 

Gluten free orders include a wooden pick that states “allergy.” *NOTE- When I ordered take out, there was no pick in my order, nor was there anything that identified that my order was gluten free. I don’t know if that was an oversight (it was Mother’s Day and MSU Graduation), or if to-go orders aren’t marked as Gluten Free. Make sure to talk to staff when you pick up your takeout order. 

They Have Gluten Free Cinnamon Rolls?!?!

Anna’s House partners with Kind Crumbs, a dedicated gluten free bakery located in Grand Rapids, to offer gluten free cinnamon rolls to their customers. In fact, the restaurant tries “hard to find as many local options as possible on the menu to support our local community and local suppliers.”

What Other Dietary Restrictions & Preferences Do You Accommodate?

In addition to offering gluten free items, Anna’s House provides a variety of dietary options on the menu including dairy free, vegetarian, vegan, and all natural meat options. Often guests ask that menu items are customized to further accommodate specific dietary needs. The goal is to be able to provide choices for each guest around the table.

What Else Should We Know About Dining Gluten Free at Anna’s House? 

“Anna’s House commits to offering options that appeal to guests who want or need gluten-free options. We will continually look for new and creative ways to provide tasty and fun meals that are gluten-free, and we always welcome new suggestions and ideas that we can consider. We are fortunate to be able to serve guests options that allow everyone to enjoy a great meal at Anna’s House. Thank you for your patronage.”

Where is Anna’s House Located? 

Anna’s House has 13 locations across Michigan.

• Grand Rapids – East Beltline
• Grand Rapids – Plainfield
• Grand Rapids – Northland
• Byron Center
• Grandville
• Holland
• Grand Haven
• Kalamazoo
• Okemos
• Grand Ledge
• Westland
• Milford
• Ann Arbor

A 14th location in Grand Blanc, Michigan (southeast of Flint) is proposed for 2026. They hope to continue to expand, when ideal locations become available. 

Anna’s House
Locations in West & Mid Michigan, and Metro Detroit
Hours – 6 am – 3 pm daily (Westland and and Ann Arbor open at 7 am)
No Reservations Taken on the Weekend
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Anna’s House 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.

Originally Published August 2022

The post Anna’s House – Gluten Free Dining in Michigan appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

**This is an interview with the owner. Please scroll to bottom of page for bakery address, phone number, website, email, and social media links.**

A Note About Shared Kitchens

Sweet Millie’s Bakery products are produced in a home where gluten is present, but wheat flour is not. I usually only share about companies who have a completely gluten free facility. However, when I polled my followers, some suggested I share about businesses, and their preparation methods, and let customers make their own decisions.

When polled, 2/3 of people responded that they themselves do not keep a 100% gluten free kitchen. Of those, 2/3 responded that they do NOT keep wheat flour in their household. Also, 3/4 of my followers stated they would by from a baker that may have gluten in the home, but NOT if wheat flour was also present. Therefore, I wanted to share about Sweet Millie’s and allow you to make your own decision. 

1. What inspired you to become a baker? 

I have many memories of my maternal grandmother baking with us, when we would spend the night. She always had pies, cookies, and other baked goods on hand in case someone stopped by. Seeing how she could express her love through food is a memory I hold dear, and grew my own love of baking. Many of the holiday bakes I make are her recipes, and I named my baking business after her.

What Encouraged You to Open a Gluten Free Baking Business? 

About 11 years ago I started to notice issues when I would eat toast and jelly for breakfast. My stomach would hurt, but put the thought aside and dealt with stomach problems for many years after that. About 7 years ago, during a very stressful time in my life, I had a pretty severe reaction after having bread and took it more seriously.

Over these past few years I have tried many gluten free products from local and commercial companies. I struggled to find something that tasted “normal” to me. Therefore, I took it upon myself to test, try, and modify recipes to become gluten free, to my taste and texture preferences. At first, I baked gluten free items for personal reasons. However, family and friends encouraged the idea of selling my baked goods. And that is how all this began.

2. Are there other highlights of Sweet Millie’s Bakery products? Dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free etc? Local ingredients?

At this moment there are no other highlights outside of gluten-free. However, I do use local honey. When farmers markets are open, I try to incorporate local ingredients more often. I do use almond flour in my baked goods, and currently use Bob’s Red Mill gluten free oats in my oatmeal cookies.

3.What steps do you take to ensure that Sweet Millie’s items are truly gluten-free? Your Family Eats Gluten in your Home. How Do You Prevent Cross Contact?

When it comes to baking, I use flours and other products that are certified gluten free. My bakeware, and stand mixer, is solely devoted to gluten free baking. In addition, I use separate bowls, measuring spoons, utensils, and baking trays for gluten free products. I also use parchment paper when baking.

As you mentioned, my kitchen is primarily gluten free with the exception of my family’s snacks which contain wheat. But, wheat flour is never present in my kitchen or home. All measures are taken to put those away prior to any baking and packaging. The area is cleaned before any of my gluten free products are taken out to be used.

I know cross contamination is a serious issue. Therefore I make sure everyone knows there is wheat/gluten in my home, but take great care to prevent cross contact.

4. Can you share a story of a customer who’s been greatly impacted by your business?

I do not have any life changing testimonies available to share at this moment. I have had family and friends tell me personally how they are so excited to have something gluten free that actually tastes good and they no longer feel deprived of delicious treats.

5. What would you like consumers to know about Sweet Millie’s Bakery?

I make all my products for my customers as if they were family, with lots of love and attention to detail. I strive for consistency and aim to bring the joy back in baked goodies. As a Michigan Cottage Law business, I cannot ship orders. As I am a stay at home mother, orders need to be picked up. I can bring it out to the customer or I offer contactless pick up as well.

Sweet Millie’s Bakery Location, Hours and Contact Information

Sweet Millie’s Bakery
Redford, MI
Facebook | Instagram | Email
Preferred Contact Method for Orders: Facebook

Sweet Millie’s Bakery is one of many gluten free bakers across the state of Michigan.  Click this link to see a comprehensive list of all the gluten-free bakeries in Michigan, complete with interactive map! Looking for more local eats? Check out my list of gluten free baked good options at Michigan Farmers Markets. 

The post Sweet Millie’s Bakery appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

**This is an interview with the owner. Please scroll to bottom of page for bakery address, phone number, website, email, and social media links.**

Suprisingly, the owner of Missy’s Sweet Treats is not named Missy. This home based baking business is named after Felicia Goll’s sweet dog Missy. After her dog passed away, naming her business keeps her dog’s name and memory forver on her heart and mind. 

You’ll find Missy’s Sweet Treats at various farmers markets and events in Metro Detroit. Based in St. Clair Shores, gluten free eaters in Macomb County and even farther, have been excited about what she has to offer. Read more about Missy’s Sweet Treats in Felicia’s own words. 

1. What inspired you to become a baker? Why the focus on gluten-free?

I have had a passion for baking ever since I was a little girl. and I have a wicked sweet tooth. While I was pregnant with my son, I discovered I needed to follow a gluten free diet. I never realized how hard it is to find a good gluten free brownie or chocolate cake. Therefore I focused my business on gluten-free baked goods to bring delicious desserts (that happen to be gluten free) to a population that, in my experience, has the hardest time finding delicious food.

2. Are there other highlights of your products?  Dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free etc?

While we do use eggs and dairy in our kitchen, we always offer at least one dairy-free or vegan option at our markets. I’ve met many people who have other severe allergies (dairy, corn, soy, nuts, etc) on top of a gluten intolerance. Therefore, I think its important these customers have options for desserts too. I’ve also been working on sugar-free recipes.

Being a small business myself, I love to support other small businesses. During the summer and fall months, much of my produce comes from local farms. One of the benefits of selling at a farmers market, is the ability to shop around and get inspired for new desserts each week.

3. What steps do you take to ensure that Missy’s Sweet Treats items are truly gluten-free?

I am a dedicated gluten-free baker, and my prep space is gluten free all of the time. For our business, everything gluten free is made by me, and is labeled as such. There is one product we sell, our candied pecans, that are not made in my kitchen. These are made in my mother’s kitchen, and are not labeled gluten free.

I try to use only certified gluten-free products, but for things like walnuts I do call companies to inquire about quality standards and the chances of cross contact in facilites. I use the GF Harvest Quick Cook Oats in one of my cookies.

4. Can you share a story of a customer who’s been greatly impacted by your business?

I’m extremely lucky to meet many people who are grateful for the option of tasty gluten-free, vegan or dairy free desserts. At one of my first farmers markets, a customer happened to walk past our booth. She noticed our gluten-free sign, and stopped dead in her tracks. She came to our table and asked what options were gluten-free.

Much to her delight, they all were. She decided to purchase one of everything at the table! She was very encouraged and thankful for quality baked goods, that not only taste great, but were also made in a dedicated gluten-free kitchen. To this day, she keeps returning. I am so grateful for her and others like her, because their reactions make this job fulfilling.

5. What would you like consumers to know about Missy’s Sweet Treats?

I’d like customers to know that I started this small business to make fresh, scratch made gluten free desserts accessible to everyone. We should all be able to enjoy the simpler things in life. I look forward to baking for you and making you smile along the way.

Location, Hours and Contact Information

Missy’s Sweet Treats
St. Clair Shores, MI
Facebook | Instagram | Email

Missy’s Sweet Treats does not have a storefont. The best way to order is via email or DM through Facebook. Customers can either pick up their purchased baked goods from Felicia, or they can be delivered for a small fee.

As of March 2022, Missy’s Sweet Treats is scheduled to sell at every St. Clair Shores Farmers Market. They are held the second Thursday (5pm-9pm) and fourth Sunday (8am-2pm) of the month.
They will also be at the Shelby Farmers Market at the Packard Proving Grounds at least once a month. Those are held on Saturday mornings from 9am-2pm. 

Missy’s Sweet Treats is one of many dedicated gluten free bakers across the state of Michigan.  Click this link to see a comprehensive list of all the gluten-free bakeries in Michigan, complete with interactive map!

The post Missy’s Sweet Treats appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

**This is an interview with the owner. Please scroll to bottom of page for bakery address, phone number, website, email, and social media links.**

I met the owner of Rumi’s Passion, Steve Ciric, and his family years ago when I helped organized the Lansing Gluten Free Fair. People would flock from across the state of Michigan to buy their gluten free baked goods. While the fair no longer exists, people still travel far and wide to their store in Plymouth. Located only 15 minutes from IKEA, it’s great place for a road trip.

If you were to ask me my favorite items to buy there, it would be hard to choose. They offer a great selection of sweet treats. However, they also make pasties, pizza crust, and other savory items. They’re sliced bread gets rave reviews, as well. Learn more about this business in my Q&A, below.

1. What inspired you to become a baker? Why the focus on gluten-free?

I’ve been a baker for decades. In reality, my family has been in the baking industry for over 30 years. We owned Wild Flours bakery 8 years ago and customers began to ask about gluten-free options.

After some research I saw that I needed a dedicated facility in order to safely offer gluten-free items. So we closed down our conventional bakery and opened Rumi’s Passion in 2010. You can read more about our adventure in opening our business the Plymouth-Canton Patch.

(This article is from an interview with Stan Ciric, the original owner of Rumi’s Passion. New owners took over in 2021.)

2. Are there other highlights of your products? Low sodium, fat free, etc?

We offer dairy-free, soy-free, corn-free, and vegan options. Some of our items are sugar-free as well.

3. What steps do you take to insure that your products are truly gluten-free?

All of our ingredient suppliers provide us with fact sheets to confirm they are gluten-free.

4. Can you share a story of a customer who’s been greatly impacted by your business?

You can find many reviews from happy customers on our Facebook page, including this one –
“I special ordered unfrosted cutout cookies so my daughter could have the experience of frosting legit Christmas cookies. Rumi’s cookies are AMAZING! I truly wouldn’t have known they are gluten-free and dairy-free. Thank you so much!”

5. What would you like consumers to know about your products and your business?

We are able to do custom products for customers who have restrictions beyond a gluten-free diet.

While Rumi’s Passion offers a large assortment of baked goods, they also offer other gluten free pantry items. From chips and crackers, to tamari and snack bars, it’s a fantastic place to grab those items you may not be able to find anyhwere else. They also support other Michigan businesses, by stocking items from Full Flavor Foods and Old World Gluten Free. They also serve Great Lakes Coffee in their bakery, so you can get a hot cuppa with your gluten free donut!

They also supply items for area restaurants, such as the Union Joints chain of eateries and Mr. Mike’s Grill. You can find a limited selection of Rumi’s Passion products at Holiday Market, Nino Salvaggio, Plum Market and Westborn Market in the gluten-free freezer section. They do not ship.

Location, Hours and Contact Information

Rumi’s Passion
41106 5 Mile Rd
Plymouth MI 48170
(734) 335-7145
Open Tuesday & Wednesday 10 am-5 pm, Thursday & Friday 10 am – 6 pm, Saturday 9 am – 3 pm

Website / Facebook  / Instagram / Email

Rumi’s Passion is one of many  bakeries across the state of Michigan offering gluten-free options. Check out my master gluten free bakery list, which includes an interactive map!

Originally published March 2016

The post Rumi’s Passion Gluten Free Bakery – Plymouth, MI appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

A Long History of Feeding Others

Owning a restaurant is not an easy thing. It involves lots of hsours of work, every day. When you’ve been doing it for 40 years across the country, it has to be from a deep love of service. When Sammy and Hiyam Bajalieh bought Mr. Mike’s Grill in October of 2014, they did so with family in mind.

However, Hiyam also wanted to start feeding another part of her “family”. Those with Celiac Disease.

They wanted to include their children in their legacy of serving the community. Their daughter Angie is an integral part of the restaurant. While her parents are creating home-cooked meals in the kitchen, Angie helps out with the business side. She’s tending to customer service needs, both in store and on social media.

Celiac Owned and Operated

Hiyam, owner of Mr. Mike’s Grill,  has lived with Celiac Disease for years. She knows first-hand the frustration of not having gluten-free food available. Not just gluten-free, but prepared in a facility that’s safe and free of cross-contact. Hiyam was proud to show me the dedicated prep space in their kitchen. Here’s more of her story in her own words.

1. What inspired you to offer a gluten-free menu at Mr. Mike’s Grill?

I know the frustration when trying got eat out in social situations. Finding a “safe” eating location is difficult, and the selection on a menu is often lacking. I’ve personally experienced this myself many times on a night our with friends.

After 40 years in the industry, I wanted to own a restaurant and craft a menu that I personally would want to eat from. After working at it for over 11 months, I’m proud to say we have one of the largest gluten-free menus in the area. Our menu is reasonably priced, with prices ranging from $6-$10.

2. Are there other highlights of Mr. Mike’s Grill gluten-free menu?

Almost  100% of our menu is homemade. Our locally sourced corned beef is slow cooked in house for hours. Our burger patties are made fresh in house, never frozen. The meat sauce for our spaghetti is always made from scratch.

3. What steps do you take to insure that your products are truly gluten-free?

Mr. Mike’s Grill has a two-part kitchen. All of our gluten-free items are made in a separate part of the kitchen. Our staff have been trained to ask questions to make sure orders are taken and prepared carefully. They always know to ask me or my husband about any concerns about a customer’s order. We even have a dedicated fryer for fries!

4.  Can you share any reviews from grateful customers?

A member of the Tri-County Celiac Support Group drove here after reading a review in group’s newsletter. She really loved the food and said she’d gladly share the word. We have lots of regulars that come back frequently, including Deb from Gluten Free Foodie MI. She’s tried shared lots of pictures of our menu items on her Instagram feed.

5. What would you like consumers to know about your products and your business?

We use all the freshest ingredients, source our food locally and are constantly striving to improve our gluten-free menu. Our gluten free buns are provided by local Rumi’s Passion, and Old World Gluten Free makes the pierogi we serve.

Locations, Hours and Contact Information

Mr. Mike’s Grill
6047 N Wayne Rd
Westland MI 48185 (Located just off 275. Take the Ford Rd. exit.)
(734) 729-6453
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Hours – Sun thru Tues 8 am to 3 pm, Wed thru Sat 8 am to 8 pm

What dish would you like Mr. Mike’s Grill to safely make gluten-free for you? What’s your favorite Metro Detroit restaurant to frequent?

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

** My husband and I were given a free meal, but we were not paid for this review. However, my opinions and thoughts are my own. **

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