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
Website | Facebook | Instagram

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.”

The post Burger 21 Gluten Free Options appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Family Starts Businesss Based on Middle Eastern Snack

Fusion Epicure began with Bassman Paulus’ homemade sesame seed snacks. For years, he made them at home for himself and friends. When friends suggested that he sell them, at first he was hesitant. He didn’t come from a food manufacturing background. But their encouragement led him to take a bold step and try.

While these sesame squares are common in the Middle East, Bassman wanted to make them with less sugar.  A traditional bar was 70% sugar, 30% seeds. With some trial and error, he created a delicious bar that was 20% sugar, and 80% seeds. In addition, no high fructose corn syrup.

These sesame snacks are made with pure Michigan Honey. Plus, these SESAME² bars contain non-gmo and mostly organic ingredients. They use simple, easily recognizable ingredients that you might find in your own pantry. Also, no artificial flavors or preservatives. 

Why Sesame Seeds?

While I’ve seen plenty of granola and snack bars made with oats and nuts, I’ve never seen a product made mostly of sesame seeds. Bassman explained that sesame seeds offer many many health benefits. These health benefits include anti-inflammatory properties, while also helping to reduce blood sugar and blood pressure. Sesame seeds also contain healthy fats that are good for cholesterol.

To make their delicious SESAME² bars, Bassman sources various sesame seeds, creating a unique blend that you won’t find anywhere else. SESAME² bars come in various flavors – Cranberry Walnut, Blueberry Pecan, Coffee Walnut and Sesame Walnut. The Cranberry Walnut and Coffee Walnut squares are also available covered in chocolate! 

Their Chocolate Stuffed Dates Will Blow Your Mind

In addition to allowing me to see their factory and how they operate, Bassman allowed me to sample a few of their products. When I tried this Tahini & Coffee Milk Chocolate stuffed date, I was beyond amazed. The filling was creamy, and utterly delicious. While they currently contain added sugar, in the future they plan to leave it out.

Bassman and his wife believe in supporting local businesses as much as they can. However, since we don’t grow dates in Michigan, they source their dates directly from farmers in the United States. Their chocolate is imported from Europe, and is ethically grown and harvested. Bonus- The dark chocolate covered dates are dairy free! 

Amazing Coffee Chocolate Bark

I don’t drink coffee. However, I’ll eat Fusion Epicure’s Chocolate Coffee Bark every day if you let me. The chocolate is smooth, and the coffee flavor is deep while not being overpowering. Don’t do coffee? They also make a sesame seed chocolate bark. Each batch is handmade and hand packed. 

Unique Almond Products

If you eat gluten free, all too often we wrestle with “may contain” or “made in a shared facility” statements. Especially as it relates to nuts. Lucky for us that Fusion Epicure sells their own flavored almonds, made in their gluten free facility. Flavors include Turmeric, Buffalo, and Tamarind. In addition, they also make their own almond butter.

Are Fusion Epicure Products Gluten Free?

Yes. No gluten is present in their facility, and they are in the process of seeking gluten free certification. (as well as Kosher certification) In fact, an outside company wanted to rent his space to make their product, and Bassman declined because their product contained gluten.

Does Fusion Epicure Offer Dairy Free Items?

Yes! Their dark chocolate contains no dairy. In fact, Bassman purchased a separate dark chocolate tempering machine to keep the dark chocolate free from dairy. In addition, their sesame squares contain no dairy. 

Where Can I Buy Fusion Epicure Products? 

Their products are available at various Michigan grocery stores, including Zerbo’s and Capital City Market. You can also order products directly from their website. Looking for something unique? Fusion Epicure creates special order items for wedding favors and other celebrations. They also offer bonbons and other chocolates for holidays. 

Where is Fusion Epicure Located?

Their factory, which is not currently open to the public, is located in Wixom, just off I-96. (Across 96, you’ll find the town of Novi.) As Fusion Epicture continues to grow, Bassman hopes to move to a new facility, complete with tasting room for their chocolates, and other items.  

Fusion Epicure
28243 Beck Rd Suite B15, Wixom, MI 48393
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Email

Fusion Epicure gifted me certain products to enjoy at home. I was not otherwise paid or compensated. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Other Michigan Based Chocolate Companies

• Mindo Chocolate in Ann Arbor
• Oh MI Organics in St. Johns
• NOVA Supernatural Bakery in Muskegon

The post Fusion Epicure- Sesame Snacks & More appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.