Tinley Park Resident's New Shop Serves Up Gluten-Free Fare

A Tinley Park resident has recently opened a new store in the southwest suburbs and hopes to capitalize on the increasing demand for gluten-free products.

Gusteau's Gluten-Free Shoppe opened in May at 1246 State St., Lemont. In addition to carrying a wide variety of wheatless products, the store offers homemade desserts, catering and carryout meals.

Patch caught up with Gusteau's co-owner Patricia Paloumpis, who lives in Tinley Park, to chat about the store's offerings and the need for quality, gluten-free options.

PATCH: What inspired you to open Gusteau's?

PALOUMPIS: We really saw a need for fast, convenient carryout food that's gluten-free. There are so many people that have gluten-free diets, and there just aren't many places that serve that need. Our store, first and foremost, is dedicated to producing quality, gluten-free meals for our customers.

PATCH: What made you want to open a gluten-free shop?

PALOUMPIS: I've been gluten-free for about four years, so I know first-hand how limited the choices can be. Pretty much everyone who works at Gusteau's is gluten-free, so we really consider ourselves experts. We know about the best products and recipes because we all have personal experience being gluten-free. 

PATCH: How has the demand for gluten-free products changed over the past few years?

PALOUMPIS: I don't think a lot of people talked about gluten until recently, and I think that has a lot to do with the fact that more doctors are looking at nutrition and what we're putting into our bodies. I think there has also been a big wave of people who are gluten-sensitive because of the way it's produced. The way the seeds are grown has changed drastically over the years, so a lot of people now have a gluten intolerance.

Go to Lemont Patch for the complete interview with Paloumpis. For more information about the store, visit gusteausglutenfreeshoppe.com.