Innovators Brewing Company

I never got to eat at Innovators, and I wouldn’t recommend you do if you have celiac disease. My friend wanted to eat here for his birthday celebration, so I called to see about gluten free items. The woman on the phone told me they have gluten free buns. I asked if the burgers or pulled pork are made with gluten containing seasonings or sauces, and she said yes. I asked her what I could have on the bun then and she didn’t know. So I didn’t feel very comfortable and ended the phone call. We decided to eat elsewhere for my friends dinner, but they all really want to eat there in the future, so I messaged them to try to sort it out.

Upon Facebook messaging them about my phone call and asking what items are gluten free, this is the response I got:

“We do offer gluten free buns. Our burgers are gluten free and seasoned only with salt and pepper. We cannot legally say that we offer a gluten free facility. We do not have a separate deep fryer or grill to ensure there is no cross contamination. Our kitchen simply isn’t big enough. To legally say that you have a completely gluten free menu you have to be able to ensure that all items are cooked and prepared in a space that is completely their own. Some of our spices for the other meats are gluten free, but not, so if there was any residue left on the grill it could create an issue for someone with severe celiacs disease and thats the last thing that we would want to do. We can accommodate gluten sensitivity, but our restaurant cannot make promises of gluten free. I apologize for the inconvenience, but our customers safety and well being is always the most important thing, and we don’t want to risk anyone having a reaction.”

As people who eat gluten free, you and I both know gluten free people can eat at restaurants with shared kitchens, as most kitchens do. I explained this to them, that I just ask you to change your gloves or utensils or wipe down the stove before preparing my burger. But to me, this seems like they aren’t willing to make those accommodations.

I’m trying my best to help further their knowledge, but the fact that the person on the phone told me misinformation, and now it seems like they aren’t willing to take extra steps for gluten free people, despite having gluten free buns.

You can take this how you wish, but I just wanted somebody to be warned before they eat here with celiac disease: even though they have gluten free buns, they might not take extra steps to help you. you might get sick.

I don’t want to be a Karen. I just want fairness, and clear communication on allergens on menus.

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

— Not very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much/None