Marinas Bakery and Events

If celiac, please research further and be cautious. Seen on fb with supporting documentation:

Cheryl Soares global post

MARINA’S BAKERY IN LEAGUE CITY IS NOT KETO OR GLUTEN FREE

For the past several years James Gayen and Johnny Montgomery, co-owners of J&J Creations dba Marina’s Bakery & Events, have been lying to the public about the ingredients in their bread products. They claim the products are Keto and/or Gluten Free derived from James’ own recipe creations and list the alleged ingredients and macros on sheets of paper they hand out to new customers or may post on the wall. After spending thousands of dollars at Marina’s thinking we were buying Keto goods but seeing adverse effects, and then hearing stories from others who were experiencing the same, I decided to research Marina’s and their alleged products. I began by having a few items tested. I purchased blueberry muffins, salted pretzels, and a loaf of bread. I have photos of the receipt and the purchased items. I then sent samples of each to Anresco Labs in California requesting each be tested for the nutrient components. I also photo documented this as well. I really wanted the testing to prove my suspicions were wrong, but the results confirmed the products were not Keto. Marina’s Bread Loaf – 22.79g carbs & 117.99 calories/slice. Marina’s states 4.8g carbs & 37 calories/slice. Marina’s bread has more carbs and calories than the bread at the grocery stores! Marina’s Blueberry Muffin – 70.94g carbs & a whopping 568.81 calories per muffin. There is 33.87g of sugar contrary to James’ statements that the muffins have no added sugars! Marina’s claim a muffin has 8g carbs and 110 calories. Marina’s Salted Pretzel – 67.35g carbs & 441.83 calories. Marina’s states pretzels have 3.4g carbs and 165 calories. I suspect everyone who has ever gone into Marina’s has noticed the absence of the wonderful fresh baked bread aroma. According to James, this is because the baking is done offsite since they have outgrown the store kitchen. This is almost a true statement, the baking is done offsite but by a wholesale bakery. MARINA’S BUYS ALL THEIR BREAD PRODUCTS FROM KRAFTSMEN BAKERY a wholesale bakery located in The Heights. If you go to the rear of the building in the wee hours of the morning, generally between 4:45-5:30, you will see the Kraftsmen truck making their delivery. The name is right on the side of the white van. I located Kraftsmen Bakery online, www.kraftsmenbaking.com, and found photos of the products sold at Marina’s. The blueberry muffins, the blueberry loaf, the bread, the bagels, the pretzels, all of it. Those shortbread cookies James claims he bakes for special occasions, they are actually Kraftsmen sugar cookies without the sugar sprinkles. The cinnamon roll is the cinnamon Danish without the icing. James has said many times that another bakery now does the work but they use his Keto and Gluten Free recipes. Another lie. A call to Kraftsmen confirmed they do not do special or contract baking and they do not have the ingredients to accommodate Keto or Gluten Free baking. If you want to buy the products Marina’s sell, do so because you enjoy the taste so much you don’t mind paying $16 for a loaf of bread. But if you shop there because you are diabetic, have gluten allergies or just trying to eat healthy, you need to find another alternative. I, and several other people, have reported this to the Texas Attorney General’s office of Consumer Protection and to the Food & Drug Administration. While I have been a case number and advised they are or will investigate, I’ve grown tired of waiting for the government to act which is why I’ve decided to publicly post my findings.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

Some good pretzels just not cheap.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

This place is a amazing! The blueberry muffins are the best I’ve ever tasted! Chef James answered all me questions and went out of his way to help me out. ( I am celiac)

Is ALL the food in this establishment gluten-free?

— Yes, the establishment is dedicated gluten-free

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Great Keto & Gluten Free Bakery!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for takeout

The bakery specializes in gluten-free and keto items. We ate their amazing biscuits and blueberry scones. We ordered in the store and brought home. The celiacs in the family had no issues.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Completely dedicated gluten-free kitchen
• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good with other allergies

I placed an order for multiple cakes and cupcakes and other gluten free pastries, they were so very helpful and glad to make our order, they make everything from scratch, and are very reasonably priced. Pastry Chef James was very helpful. I recommend this local bakery to everyone.