Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Smashburger NOT Gluten Free Friendly

I recently saw a Smashburger in my area, and immediately inquired regarding any potential gluten free options they might have. A new burger joint chain to the Sacramento area, with one location in Citrus Heights, and a Folsom and a Roseville location to come soon, it would certainly be nice to add as a option, but sadly it doesn't look like that will be happening for those of us who are gluten free.

The company's response was as follows:

"Thank you for taking the time to contact smashburger where we strive to be every city’s favorite burger place. In response to your question - our burger spices contain gluten. Since all the meat is cooked on the same grill, there is a small risk of cross-contamination (meaning no smashchicken either). Our fries do not have any gluten products but do use the same fryer as our haystack onions and chicken tenders, both of which contain gluten so there is a small risk of cross-contamination in the fryer as well. One of our fine salads without the meat would be a great gluten-free option. (but what of the salad dressing?) I hate to discourage anyone from ordering items at smashburger but your health comes first."

So essentially a plain, boring salad would be your only option here. Too Bad!

4 comments:

Olinda said...

time to write in folks! Send Smashburger a little letter. The more the better. And Non Gluten Free People...you too since you will be bringing GF people that may want to eat.
Our local Sonic Burger that made such a splash here in Vista had no CLUE about GF. and gave me a funny look when I said the word cross contamination. They looked totally perplexed... as I am sure Smashburger has that deer in the headlight look about it. Start sending information to them and ask for what you want. If they are a NEW company and want clients, they will change. The change wouldn't be that difficult. Change the place where you buy your spices and retrain your staff. Have a recipe that is gluten free for all. Pretty simple really and it wouldn't cost all that much more.
Ok done with my rant.

Clay and Megan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I recently emailed Smashburger to see if they've changed anything. This was the response:

"In response to your question about gluten: Our buns contain gluten. The regular fries and smashfries do not have any gluten products but do use the same fryer as our haystack onions, sweet potato fries, fried pickles and chicken tenders, all of which contain gluten so there is a small risk of cross-contamination for items prepared in the fryer.

One of our fine burgers without the bun or a salad would be a great gluten-free option.
I hate to discourage anyone from ordering items at smashburger but your health comes first. "

So happy the patties are ok now!

Cheers!

Anonymous said...

ok - so the burgers would be ok without the bun? I am also dairy free and would just like to be able to order a burger without the bun and a side salad. The balslamic and chipotle dressings are gluten and dairy free according to their website, but it looks like their is dairy on their salad?