Gluten Free Things, Inc. — Restaurant in Arvada

Looks like the detailed explanation for my review either didn't save or was taken down.

In response to the owner's request for explanation:

I visited the shop on 8/17 during business hours to find the place very much closed, with only a faded, weathered paper sign on the door that said something to the effect of "business hours have changed, see website." Of course, I did that before making the 40 minute round trip in rush hour traffic. I also checked the business's social media sites to try and confirm the business was still, y'know, in business.

I tried to call from the parking lot - mostly for curiosity's sake - but the voicemail message directs the caller to email instead (which is very unusual) and the voicemail box was full. I emailed asking when the business would be open and never got a response. I still haven't gotten one.

The initial reason for the review was to warn others the business might be permanently closed, so no one else makes a potentially long drive without calling first. Given all the information available - closed during normal business hours, no response to contact attempts, no recent social media posts, no recent signage, etc. - it sure looked like the place was permanently closed.

I'm sorry to hear that the owner has been seriously ill. That's terrible and the closures are understandable in light of it. That the business was temporarily closed also isn't the problem. I'm new to the area and the experience of trying to do business with Gluten Free Things is all I have to go on here. So far that has been a solidly 2-star experience. That someone affiliated with the business is posting exasperated responses to Google reviews rather than returning calls or emails from customers who are eager to do business is offputting at best.

Some notice on either the business' door, the website, or the bakery's social media accounts (better yet, all three!) advising you are temporarily closed or operating at reduced hours, or only filling online orders (or whatever the current arrangement is) would make it easier to do business with you and is what most small companies I've encountered do when faced with unanticipated closures or other complications. It shows respect for your customers and prevents this exact kind of situation...

I absolutely love checking out new places and finding hidden gems, but I can sadly say, this was one of the worst surprises I’ve ever had.

We went right after lunchtime on a weekday and I was bummed to see that there was a very limited selection and the items in the fridge and freezer did not look great. They didn’t appear fresh, it was like they’d been in there for a while. And I’m not saying that to be rude, but the presentation was not there. And the bagged mixes were all things you could make at home, there wasn’t anything that made them special. And seeing some of the pictures attached to other reviews, the packaging I saw was very different…almost like maybe they had run out of their bags and had to improvise?

And the inside was just small enough that when we were looking around we felt boxed in and uncomfortable when (I think he was the owner) came over to us and said “what are you doing?” And it wasn’t in a light hearted way. It made us feel like we weren’t allowed to be there, so we felt extremely uncomfortable. He wasn’t very friendly and with him watching and following us around, we felt we should quickly buy something so we grabbed 2 items…there were no prices, no verbal confirmation or a receipt so I’m not sure what we paid, but he wasn’t very personable, especially when we mentioned this was the first time we had seen the shop. He said he’d been there for 15 years and was not pleased we hadn’t noticed it before.

I also wanted to take photos but again, with him watching us, I didn’t feel comfortable doing so.

Red velvet cupcake: 1/10 (my mom said 2/10 & my grandpa said 4/10)

Sugar cookie: 0/10 for everyone. It was so moist and soggy and the flavor was not there at all! It looked like a muffin top but was possibly the worst cookie...

""" Updating My Review Again and very sad to do so"" I was told the owner had some serious heath issues and I feel very bad for him. I had purchased about $90 worth of stuff and they shipped it to me here in Dallas Texas area. I had a bunch of the Pizza crust and one of the Brads come in With Green Mold all over them. I contacted and they said they take care of it. That never happened and was told the owner got sick and things were a mess. I was contacted after this bye Email and a phone call also. They assured me my Order would be sent out and she told me she would Wait till The following Monday so it would not sit on Shipping truck all weekend. Well that did not Happen also and no more contact. Be aware that I am OK with losing the products and I had told many of my Celiac friends here in Dallas about the place. We had tried it in Denver and loved it. I posted links to site all over my social media and not had to go back and let them all know he place can't be trusted. I wish the owner well and was hoping they could provide us with good stuff since you all know how hard it is to find. Patty

I am doing an Edit to my review as I found out some facts and I feel bad that I wrote a fair review at first. I had ordered some things that had come in not quite correct. They have since made things Good and I have only good things to say. I wish the Owner well as I found out he fell ill. Thank you for the fast service and Follow up. Looking forward to making many more purchases as are my friends. Patty...