On the forefront of choice, Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint, the original fast casual pizza franchise, adds a gluten-free dessert to its menu of more than 5-milion options.
Seeing the demand for gluten-free foods increase, the company lovingly serves up the gluten-free oat bar infused with caramel for everyone. Nominated in the restaurant category for the Best of Gluten-Free 2013 sponsored by TriumphDining, Uncle Maddio's already offers gluten-free pizza crust, and many locations also include gluten-free beer options on their beverage menu.
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 in addition to their standard nine inch pie. This is in addition to more than 25 gluten-free toppings, salad dressings, and new gluten-free oat bar infused with caramel, 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," said 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 special precautions to ensure its crust is safe for people with gluten allergies. In order to prevent cross-contamination, pizza makers at Uncle Maddio's take special steps when preparing and serving gluten-free pizza, including: 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.
Starting from the bottom up, customizing the pizza crust is just the beginning at Uncle Maddio's. Base options, including gluten-free, whole wheat and traditional crust, are topped with any one of the six Uncle Maddio's sauces and 48 toppings, including fresh meats, veggies and cheeses, including Daiya Vegan Cheese. For customers looking for the chef's creations, Uncle Maddio's features 11 Signature Pizzas, including Simply Veggie, Jamaican Jerk and Portobello Pesto, that are made with any of the three curst options - gluten-free, whole wheat or traditional.
The Uncle Maddio's Pizza Joint menu also features create-your-own salads with a vast buffet of crisp garden-fresh vegetables, and a menu full of signature salads such as Maddio's House, Chopped, and Chicken Caesar. Toasted panini sandwiches, including creations such as Maddio's Steak and Cheese, Basil Chicken, Tuscan Meatball, Turkey Bacon Cheddar and more.
