Son’s double diagnosis inspires Gluten free 4 U Regents Park

A teenage boy’s double health diagnosis has inspired his mum to open a 100 per cent gluten-free cafe in a Logan suburb this Saturday.

Laura Ward and her family outside the new 100 per cent gluten-free cafe in Regents Park. Picture: Supplied

Brisbane’s newest, completely gluten-free cafe will open at Regents Park on Saturday, July 26, inspired by the owner’s son after he was diagnosed with two autoimmune conditions earlier this year.

Mother-of-two and business owner Laura Ward said her son’s Type 1 diabetes and coeliac diagnoses in February left her feeling helpless and overwhelmed.

“Our 17-year-old son Jackson began feeling very ill and became underweight towards the end of last year,” Ms Ward said.

“We found out at the same time he had been diagnosed with both conditions, it was so intense and I felt like a mess.

“Food he had eaten his whole life was no longer safe so we had to clear out our entire pantries and fridge to eliminate the risk of cross contamination.’’

Ms Ward said it was great to be opening the cafe.

Ms Ward said the gluten-free options near her home in Greenbank were limited and tracking ingredients while doing the family’s weekly food shop often take hours.

“We stumbled across Gluten Free 4 U at Mount Gravatt and instantly loved everything they had, the variety was great and it was all completely safe for Jackson to eat,” she said.

“After months of driving 40 minutes each way to the store for our groceries I realised my local area would really benefit from a store like this.’’

Mrs Ward said she began building the idea of owning her own gluten-free store in March.

Her new cafe and bakery would open this Saturday, July 27.

“It all felt like a dream, but with the help of my husband and kids we have put it all together and it looks beautiful,” she said.

The new 100 per cent gluten-free cafe in Regents Park. Picture: Supplied

Gluten Free 4 U at Regents Park catered for all dietary requirements, not just gluten free, including dairy free, nut free and wheat free goods.

“We have more than 200 pastries, cakes, tarts, breads and more that everyone can feel great eating,” she said.

“My two employees I found are also celiac so know the diligence required to serving these goods.

GlutenFree4Me will serve 100% gluten free treats.

“We want to encourage people who aren’t celiac to come and try what we do, the feedback we’ve had so far has been amazing.’’

The cafe opened from 9.30am this Saturday, with the first customer being treated to a $50 gift card and many more special offers up for grabs.

After that Saturday hours would be from 8.30am to 3pm and from Tuesday-Friday from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Originally published as Son’s double diagnosis inspires Gluten free 4 U Regents Park