By Kim Koeller and Robert La France

Looking for gluten-free pizza in your area? Longing for a tasty fresh gluten-free pastry?

Do you feel more comfortable staying in a hotel that understands your gluten-free needs? Finally, an up-to-date, easy on-line solution for your gluten-free lifestyle is here!  

After years of being contacted by people searching for restaurants with gluten-free menus around the world, GlutenFree Passport® has recently collaborated with our partners in Europe, expanding the world’s largest global online directory to include gluten-free places in North America! Gluten-free eating options such as pizzerias, bakeries, restaurants, hotels, spas and even breweries can now be quickly found throughout the US and Canada by searching www.glutenfreeonthego.com.

Since the European launch in 2005, the innovative database -  Glutenfreeonthego.com has become the one stop solution for gluten-free guests searching online to find places they can trust, close-to-home or on-the-road.  With the introduction of North American establishments, over 3500 venues are now available across the US, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Mallorca, New Zealand and the UK, with more being added everyday.

Glutenfreeonthego.com is a unique destination that allows you to easily preview venues that cater to your special dietary requirements.  At the same time, it offers restaurant operators and food service providers the opportunity to showcase their establishments with photos, menus, descriptions, links and much more!  

Based upon the findings of our recent global research study, Understanding Gluten and Allergen-Free Experiences of Guests & Hospitality Worldwide, 65% of the 2050+ gluten-free guests surveyed from 29 countries, find places to eat based upon recommendations from others on a gluten-free diet or the availability of a gluten-free menu.  Glutenfreeonthego.com addresses both of these needs by allowing you, as a visitor, the ability to share your restaurant experiences by recommending eating establishments that you’ve enjoyed, as well as providing restaurant operators a quality online platform to showcase their gluten-free capabilities to you, their customers.

There are two types of gluten-free venues included in our on-line database to help you find a great place to eat:

1. Suggested Venues
2. Qualified Venues 

Suggested Venues

Suggested venues have been recommended by individuals who have indicated that these establishments have a good understanding of the gluten-free diet. These venues are identified by a  Glutenfreeonthego.com logo stating, "recommended by a person with celiac or food allergies." These listings include the venue name and basic contact information. Since these venues have not signed our code of practice, even though we have confirmed that they have an understanding of the gluten-free diet, we cannot guarantee that gluten-free food is available at these locations. Based upon your comfort level, we recommend you either contact the venue ahead of time or notify the establishment upon arrival to let them know of your special dietary requirements. Also, let them know that you are a Glutenfreeonthego.com guest.

Qualified Venues

Qualified venue listings, created by each establishment, serve gluten-free food, have agreed to our code of practice, and may have participated in a program that gives them a good understanding of your special needs. A detailed description of each qualified venue offers a significant amount of information including: cuisine type, menu items, photos, hours of operations, management, directions and contact information. We believe that establishments who commit to being a Qualified Venue take their gluten-free service seriously!  They are promoting their gluten-free offerings on our site for a minimal fee which allows us to maintain the database and technical infrastructure.

By signing our  code of practice, qualified venues agree to offer gluten and/or allergen-free meal options, and provide Glutenfreeonthego.com customers the same standards of service that they give to other customers. A qualified venue's commitment is essential for users of  Glutenfreeonthego.com to confidently and safely eat at these establishments.  You, as the guest, know that a qualified venue can effectively cater to your needs.  Each qualified venue in our database must confirm that they meet the standards listed in the  code of practice prior to being included. 

Glutenfreeonthego.com is a free service for all gluten-free guests.  At the same time, eating establishments can reach our gluten-free community and realize increased revenues to their operations for about ‘a dollar a day’.  By giving visitors verified eating options based upon their destination, you as the special diet guest can finally dine or travel with comfort and ease by having a safe source of quality information at your fingertips.  

If you are looking to dine in your area,  on-the-road, or when planning your next dream vacation , we hope that this service helps you find great places to eat, allowing you to experience the many gluten-free gastronomic adventures available worldwide!  If you know restaurants that are committed to providing gluten-free meals, visit  Glutenfreeonthego.com and make your recommendations today.  Enjoy!