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

My First Gluten Free Bakery Experience

Gluten Free Specialties was originally called Celiac Specialties. My first memory of Celiac Specialties is over a decade old, from 2003. We drove from our home in Swartz Creek to Chesterfield Township, where their first store was located. This was before GPS, smartphones and Google Maps. We arrived in the city and stopped at a local library to ask for directions. The librarian knew exactly where we wanted to go, as she visited the bakery often.

We arrived at Gluten Free Specialties. Ten minutes after closing. I was heart-broken. But the workers inside saw us standing at the window, took pity on us, and graciously let us inside. It was a sight to behold. I could eat anything in the store, without fear of gluten ingredients. Anything.

Best Gluten Free Donuts I’ve Ever Tasted

We bought freshly made donut holes, returned to the car, and voraciously ate them between the two of us. My memory to this day is vivid. My husband and I are sitting in our burgundy Le Sabre, the smell of warm cinnamon donuts filling our nostrils. We told ourselves we shouldn’t eat the whole bag. My non-gf husband exclaimed they were the best donut holes he’s ever had, better than our local Quality Dairy. If you’re not from Lansing, you don’t know how huge a compliment that is!

Fast forward to 2016 and Gluten Free Specialties has a new owner and a new location. But their dedication to a strictly gluten-free environment has NEVER changed. Read about Priscilla’s passion and vision for this bakery, in her own words.

Interview with owner, Priscilla Demello

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

Gluten Free Specialties was originally called Celiac Specialties, and was opened by my husband’s sister, Michelle. She, a non gluten-free baker, was approached over 20 years ago by someone with Celiac Disease needing safe baked goods.  Her brother Mike joined a few years later, helping her to fulfill her mission of creating gluten-free foods that were celiac safe without sacrificing great taste and texture.

I, Priscilla, was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2002. After my diagnosis, a coworker introduced me to what would become Gluten Free Specialties. Because of Michelle’s baking, I was able to embrace my diagnosis and dedicate myself to truly eating gluten-free. Shortly thereafter, I started working at the bakery, on the weekends. This allowed me to connect with other celiacs and hopefully help those who were newly diagnosed. Who knew that someday my part-time work would lead to my life time love!

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

We try to accommodate as many allergies as we can. We are very proud that 95% of our products are also dairy (casein) free. When creating a new product, we always attempt to make it dairy-free. If it doesn’t meet our quality standards, then we use dairy as a last resort. While we use no nut flours in our baked goods, we do use whole peanuts in some items. Our Caramel Apple Pie is currently the only item we use oats in, and we use purity protocol oats.

3. What steps do you take to ensure that your baked goods are truly gluten-free?

We get gluten-free statements from our vendors to ensure all of our ingredients are safe. We do not bring ANY wheat into the facility, so their is no possibility of cross contact or any wheat being in the air vents and air flow. No gluten in the building, period. We also submit our products to the FDA for testing.

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

Gluten Free Specialties has may reviews on their Facebook page. I (Margaret) was struck by one particular story.

“Went in today for the first time because I noticed via Facebook that they were close to me. A super nice woman, who I’m assuming is the owner, explained all the different products they make and went beyond that to give me advice & write down the names of some good books. I’m new to Celiac Disease with positive blood work but cannot have an endoscopy until I deliver (4 months pregnant). I was extremely saddened when my doctor recommended the GF diet because everything I was craving turned into everything I could no longer have. But this place definitely brightened my outlook! I bought pasta, cinnamon donuts, Hawaiian bread and blueberry muffins. I have tried the muffins already this morning and they are AMAZING! (And I am super picky!) I will definitely be going back!”

I think it’s safe to say that Priscilla and her husband are living out Michelle Fuller’s passion. They’re not only turning out a much loved product, but are taking steps to care and educate their clients as well.

So what baked goods are you missing after diagnosis? Do you have a dedicated gluten-free bakery near you? Keep following throughout the year as I interview every gluten-free bakery in Michigan!

Gluten Free Specialtes Location, Contact Info and Hours

2656 South Rochester Rd
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Website / Facebook / Instagram / Email

(248) 860-0680
Open Monday – Friday 10am – 5 pm (Tuesday open until 6 pm), Saturday 10 am – 2pm, Sunday 11 am – 3 pm

Gluten Free Specialties is one of many great, 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!

Originally published February 2016

The post Gluten Free Specialties – Paczki, Donuts, Bread and More! appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

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.**

The post Breadless – Dedicated Gluten Free in Detroit appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

A Campus Full of Surprises

If I could sum up my visit at Oakland University in one word, I would say, “surprised.” I previously failed to appreciate the expanse and beauty of the campus. I always thought of it as the little college I passed by on my way to Trader Joe’s. Boy, was I mistaken. (Oakland alum, please don’t hate on me for being oblivious!)

I recently visited Oakland University, with my plucky side reporter Mr. Gal. (Excellent note taker, that guy.) We meet up with Mark Mccormick, the resident district manager for Chartwells. Chartwells runs the food service program at Oakland University and 270 other universities across the country.

How Many Students?!?!

While the Oakland University G8 dining stations initially drew me to campus, Mark provided us a fantastic tour of campus. We started in the Campus Center, which features a Chick Fil A (the first one in Michigan!), a Moe’s Southwestern Grill, and a Plum Market station. Plum Market proudly serves Ethel’s Baking Company Dandies!

From there we ventured to Vandenberg hall, the older dining hall on campus. They offer a variety of different options, in separate dining stations. Mark stated that 3,000 of Oakland University’s 20,000 students live on campus. Both on and off campus students use the dining halls.

What is G8?

Mark thoroughly explained the Oakland University G8 dining stations to us. While other meals are prepared in a shared space, all meals prepared at G8 stations use their own separate cooking space. The name “G8” comes from the concept of being free from the 8 most common allergens, as well as gluten. Pretty spiffy. Staff even use separate, uniquely colored utensils to serve all meals in these stations. Their is a protein, starch, veg and a composed cold salad every lunch and dinner.

In addition, they offer Udi’s gluten free bread and buns.  They have a dedicated gluten free waffle maker and gluten free waffle batter. I totally could eat those for dinner, too! Dedicated, separate toasters are available at these stations as well. A sign hangs above them, explaining to other non-food allergy students that are for food allergy needs.

How Do They Handle Other Allergens/Diets?

Glad you asked. As stated on their website, they feel it is their responsibility to “provide safe and appropriate meals for all students on campus when possible.” They even offer to go the extra step and “create meals specific to each student’s needs.” Read more about this on their Special Diets section of their website.

Cooks offer halal chicken options at the Oakland University G8 stations, and kosher wraps are available elsewhere on campus. Stations at both Vandenberg and Hillcrest displays menu items, as well as highlight dietary restrictions in those meals. Students easily find this information on the school’s dining app.

Welcoming to All

Fridays on campus are BUSY. Anyone can eat there, student or community member for only $5. And they’re open until 7 pm!! (These prices were as of 2019. I can’t find any updated prices on their website.) Despite that, everyone we talked to was just so NICE. Mark took time to talk to students. Chef Joey gave us his undivided attention as we asked further questions. I instantly felt at home there.

Chef Joey explained they don’t always offer gluten free desserts, but when they do, they get eaten quickly. I suggested he connect with Gluten Free Specialties in Rochester for some gluten free donuts. I appreciated how receptive he was to new ideas! He always encourages students to ask him questions and give honest feedback.

Check out this article in Gluten Free Living magazine for more tips on Navigating the Dining Hall while in college.

Gluten Free Options Outside of Campus

Looking to venture off campus? Whether dining alone or as a family, Rochester offers many gluten free dining options. Close to campus you’ll find Buddy’s Pizza, Jersey Mike’s and BD’s Mongolian BBQ. Down the street at The Village of Rochester Hills, eateries include Chipotle, Bravo! Cucina Italiana, Mitchell’s Fish Market and P.F. Chang’s.

Looking to do some gluten free grocery shopping? Wander through Whole Foods at the Village, or go across the street to Trader Joe’s. You’ll also find Gluten Free Specialties in Rochester, Michigan’s longest operated, dedicated gluten free bakery! Find donuts, bread, muffins and more at their storefront.

Oakland University Dining Locations and Contact Information

312 Meadow Brook Road, Suite 146
Rochester, Michigan 48309
(248) 370-3400 Website

So, what universities are you or your child researching? Have you found one outside of Michigan that’s top notch? Leave a comment below so we can help each other find more safe options! 

The post Oakland University G8 Dining Services appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.

Where is Yates Cider Mill?

Fall in Michigan is definitely my favorite season. Hot days give way to cool evenings and long walks. Tree foliage slowly changes to vibrant oranges and reds. Michigan State University football is on the television. Sweet apple cider passes our taste buds once again. And at Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills Michigan, those with Celiac Disease can again enjoy donuts with their cider!

How’s the Parking at Yates Cider Mill?

I recently took a trip to Yates Cider Mill with my parents when they were visiting from Tennessee. They were eager to escape the southern heat and embrace Michigan’s crisp fall temperatures. We weren’t the only ones with this idea on a bright Saturday afternoon. Traffic surrounded the mill as far as the eye could see. We were lucky enough to find a spot on the premises and not have to park in the overflow lot.

What Activities Does Yates Cider Mill Offer?

There are many things to see and do at Yates Cider Mill. There are pony rides, Frankenmuth fudge, face painting and more. I was so happy to see that the property is pet friendly. There were dogs EVERYWHERE! It made me wish we had brought along our small peek-a-poo. Of course, there were also babies in strollers, grandmothers in wheelchairs, and happy children everywhere. I will say the hilly terrain was a bit difficult for my aging parents to navigate with their canes. That didn’t stop them from having a good time though.

Gluten Free Donuts from Gluten Free Specialties

Going to a cider mill in the fall is a long standing tradition in my life. When I was young, a trip to the cabin wasn’t complete without stopping for cider and donuts. That was prior to my Celiac Disease diagnosis in 2001. Our trip to Yates Cider Mill was the first time I was able to eat a gluten-free donut purchased AT the cider mill.

Gluten Free Specialties bakes the donuts for the mill, off-site. This dedicated gluten-free bakery is located in the same city. I love that the gluten-free donuts are sold in two packs in individually sealed packages. This prevents issues of cross-contact. I panicked though when I took a bite. They were so good  I worried they sold me regular donuts by mistake! I quickly pulled out my receipt to check. “Gluten-Free Donuts” printed in black and white. Whew!

Fun for the Whole Family and New Friends

We purchased a half-dozen of Yates Cider Mill’s regular donuts, a gallon of their cider, and found our way to one of their large picnic tables. It was pretty packed that Saturday, so we shared a table with another family. This is my new friend Merlin. Isn’t his face painting the coolest?! He was proud to tell me that he was a raptor, and gave me permission to take his picture. (So did his guardian.)

I suggest taking a trip to Yates Cider Mill as soon as you get the chance. They’ve been making cider since 1863, and they’ve perfected the process. If you don’t like crowds, they’re open during the week. They are located at 1990 E Avon Rd, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 and are open 9am-7pm year round.

What Other Michigan Cider Mills Offer Gluten Free Donuts? 

Luckliy, there are many other Michigan cider mills that offer gluten free donuts, both in Metro Detroit and the Grand Rapids area. Gluten Free Specialties supplies most of the cider mills in the Metro Detroit area. Kind Crumbs supplies most of the donuts in the Grand Rapids area. To see a complete list, check out my article entitled, Michigan Cider Mills with Gluten Free Donuts.

Yates Cider Mill
1950 E Avon Rd
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Hours- Mon-Sun 11 am to 9 pm

What’s your favorite fall tradition? Do you have a favorite cider mill that you love to visit? Comment below! (Please, only name additional places if you know for certain donuts are made in a dedicated facility / prep space.) 

The post Yates Cider Mill: Gluten-Free Donuts and Cider! appeared first on MI Gluten Free Gal.