Gluten-Free Pizza is a Hit at Tommy's

Americans may be divided by culture, race, class and religious and political beliefs, but most people can still agree on some things -- like pizza. 

Everyone loves those piping hot, gooey and delicious pies. Well, almost everyone. 

Around 1 in 100 people can’t stand the sight of it due to a relatively unknown autoimmune disorder referred to as Celiac disease, said Rick Tompot, owner of .

The disease inhibits the absorption of nutrients through the small intestine wall, triggered by eating wheat proteins, like gluten. Unfortunately, gluten can be found in all types of foods, most notably pizza. 

However, food creationists found a loophole. They eliminated gluten from the list of ingredients by substituting wheat flour with rice flour, and overnight, the gluten-free pizza was born. 

In 2007, Tompot caught wind of the growing trend and realized he could add gluten-free pies to his menu and open up a whole new market among Celiac sufferers. 

Since then, Tommy's has sold more than 10,000 gluten-free pizzas.

“I’ve had people come here and thank me and hug me,” Tompot said. “I’ve had women cry saying they haven’t been able to enjoy pizza in years.”