In celebration of National Celiac Awareness Month, Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint added a gluten-free dessert to its menu. Seeing the demand for gluten-free items grow, the company will serve up new desserts for everyone, including a gluten-free oat bar infused with caramel. Uncle Maddio’s already offers gluten-free pizza crust, and many locations also include gluten-free beer options on their beverage menus.
According to the NPD Group, more than 30 percent of Americans are eliminating gluten from their diet. At Uncle Maddio's Pizza Joint, the gluten-free menu accounts for five to seven percent of pizza sales, per location. The 18 Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint locations nationwide are among the only restaurants in the nation to offer gluten-free kid’s meal pizzas. This is in addition to more than 25 gluten-free toppings, salad dressings, and new gluten-free desserts, available at each Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint.
“We ‘Serve with Love’ at Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint and believe the best way to show that love is to provide everyone with great tasting foods that fit in with every dietary need and lifestyle choice,” says Uncle Maddio’s chef, Alex Cook. “We train all employees on proper food handling procedures, as it pertains to gluten-free diets, as well as food allergies. We love our customers and want to serve their individual choices and needs in the same way that we feed members of our families.”
Uncle Maddio’s takes precautions to ensure that its crust is safer for people with gluten allergies. In order to prevent cross-contamination, pizza makers at Uncle Maddio’s take steps when preparing and serving gluten-free pizza such as putting on new gloves, using separate pans and utensils, and pulling toppings from fresh bins. The Uncle Maddio’s restaurant design allows customers to watch their pizza being prepared directly in front of them. The transparent food prep process allows customers with food allergies to ensure their order is accurate and safe.