Here I have compiled a list of some allergy friendly franchise restaurants that I like. This list is always growing and please add your experiences in the comments below!
I put all of these restaurants on “my favorites” list because I have had good experiences at them. There are always exceptions when it comes to franchises- that one server who isn’t helpful or messes up your order. We all know that there are no guarantees to food safety when we eat out (sigh). I do feel that as franchises, these companies seem to put forth effort to keep us safe when we eat at their establishments. I always call ahead to restaurants and try to go in at “off-peak” times. My hope is that the extra time we will require when ordering, won’t be as much of a strain on a server if we go in when it isn’t too busy.
I’ve also been told repeatedly by chefs and restaurant managers how important it is to tell my server that we have a gluten allergy. Even though we all know it is really an auto-immune disease, not an allergy. I’ve been told that they will take it more seriously than if we were just trying to avoid the food as a preference. The biggest pet peeve from chefs, servers and restaurant managers, is when they see someone who has claimed to have an allergy (who they have taken extra time and care to keep them safe) then eats the item they claimed to be allergic to. This undermines all of us who truly have serious food allergies. Sigh.
Allergy Friendly Franchises:
Outback Steakhouse: In general I find that steakhouses are set up to accommodate food allergies better than other types of restaurants. Outback is no exception. The servers always seem well informed and happy to help us navigate what will work with our needs. Check out their nutrition information link. You will find their gluten free menu and info on how they approach food safety with allergies.
Jason’s Deli: There aren’t very many sandwich places that can pull off gluten free service, but Jason’s Deli has consistently provided me with a great meal without getting me sick. They put a sticker on my items indicting that they are gluten free. It also assures me that I haven’t been given someone else’s order.
P.F. Chang’s: They have quite a selection of gluten free items on their menu. Everything is very well labeled. They label vegetarian and “lighter” items as well. I love their lettuce wraps, Pad Thai, Mongolian Beef and fried rice selection. All gluten free.
Fleming’s Steakhouse: Here is another steakhouse (Fleming’s is upscale) that caters to food allergy folk like us with ease. Many of the items are served al a carte. Which seems to help the ordering process when you have special needs. Their menu doesn’t label food allergens, but our server was happy to help us order what was safe. He seemed to be knowledgeable when we asked questions about cross contamination too.
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants: They have an extensive menu with wine pairings for each item. You are sold already, aren’t you? They do a great job with labeling their menu for allergens and helping you order safe items. They serve a little bit of everything on their gluten free menu- steak, chicken, fish, burgers, seafood and pasta. Check my full post on Cooper’s Hawk in Tampa, Florida for more on what they offer.
Burger 21: They have a separate gluten free menu and have vegetarian items as well. They keep a dedicated fryer to cook their gluten free fries. They also have yummy gluten free shakes for dessert. Check my post on their location in Tampa, FL for more details.
Bartaco: Almost everything on the menu is gluten free and it is all labeled, which makes ordering a breeze. They have unique tacos and several other delicious options. Everything they serve is super fresh. Check my post on their location I have visited several times in West Hartford, CT.
Bonefish Grill: Although the menu online doesn’t designate food allergens, I have had no problem finding something delicious and gluten free on my visits. The staff has been helpful with ordering. It doesn’t appear that they have to “reinvent the wheel” to provide me with a safe meal.