Welcome to our Delicious Gluten free Grocery store.
The Gluten free Grocer grew out of frustration, desperation and then a deep desire to help any other person or family faced with the challenge of Going Gluten Free.
Brianna was a scrawny little 8 year old when first diagnosed, and her pint sized brother Callum joined her GF world the following year. With no clue about gluten we quickly educated ourselves but were devastated to discover just how tough it can be for the little ones. The children had been at the doctors regularly since birth with a huge range of various health niggles and were suddenly growing and happy. School work became much easier and eventually enjoyable.
Over the next couple of years we also removed gluten first from our diets, then our pantry with unbelievable health changes, soaring energy levels and finally a bit of mental clarity. Unfortunately a previous business partner had left me in a very deep financial hole so cost quickly became an issue.
As a Gluten free family, our food bill began to soar through the roof and most products we tried were terrible. Aside from the ongoing lunch box challenge, dinner time caused daily stress, the children's birthday parties were tough, and family outings and get togethers were a constant problem. With more than enough money wasted on hideous inedible food we felt ripped off, angry and disheartened.
We decided there had to be a better way - we started to make it all ourselves.
Many muffins later we finally nailed the fine art of 'Edible gluten free baking'. Having a commercial kitchen on hand we sold our products at the Takapuna Markets but long hours in our jobs followed by weekends filled with midnight finishes with a 3.30am rise became a challenge for our family. Eventually this experience became the beginnings of 'The Gluten Free Grocer'.
Our dreams were all lined up and we were set to launch in Dec 2009 when we discovered we were pregnant with Arabella. This sent our world into a spin as our intention had been to work in the business ourselves growing steadily and instead we were dependant on staffing the entire operation. Unfortunately terrible morning sickness left me bedridden for a good part of the next 8 months, but since the birth of Bell in August 2010 we have worked to slowly get the store back on the original planned track.
We feel that information, support and understanding are just as important as somewhere to purchase Gluten free Food, and with a amazing wealth of lovely supportive customers we are slowly but surely watching our dream of a community focused, friendly helpful Gluten free Shop emerge.
Thankyou so much for all your support,
Sarah and Mitch
For futher information see www.SarahKing.co.nz