I recently had a hometown visit with my boyfriend to meet his family, and as always, he planned ahead to ensure I would be able to eat safely. Of course I brought my trusty shakes with me because not only are they awesome, but they help me continue to function at my best. On our second day there, I decided to pull up my trusty Find Me Gluten Free App. I discovered that just minutes from our hotel was the factory store for Against the Grain. I was absolutely thrilled!!!
I love that they have so many options from a brand I have come to know and trust. They have a wonderful variety of samples out. The lemon and cinnamon danishes (two different ones, not a strange combo) were a dream come true. As somebody that grew up on old school versions of grocery store danishes that my dad would bring home from time to time on the weekends, I have missed the variety of options since going gluten free and let's face it, even the stuff sold in stores today with gluten sucks compared to the old school stuff. These however were fantastic! Notice the one on the left with basil pesto and cheese, OMG, those were awesome!
Check out the well stocked freezer! Oh if only the grocery stores in Greensboro, North Carolina had this many choices from Against the Grain, I would be so happy. I don't know if it was just the day we were there or if it's standard, but I felt like we lucked out. If you spend so much money, I think it was thirty dollars, you get a free pizza. Since I wanted to sample several items and share with others, we didn't have any issues earning the pizza. I already knew the pizzas were delicious because this is one of the items stocked at my local grocery stores.
If you're wanting to bring awareness to the gluten free lifestyle, they even sell some awesome merchandise.
I love the story of how this business started, which is similar to so many to the early days of business in the gluten free industry, it all started with a mom trying to help her son feel normal with making gluten free foods for him. What stands out about this company can't be summed up in one thing they do. It's about all that they have done and the standards they have maintained for their business, products, employees, and how they support the local economy. There's a reason why I sent the hyperlink to the about page, instead of the home page for their website. Go check it out! They have had opportunities to compromise and have chosen not to do so.
Yes, that's snow on the ground in March. As somebody who was raised in the south, this is not a typical siting. I couldn't get over how adorable and welcoming the entrance is to this place though. This speaks volumes to the thought the Nancy and Tom Cain have put into the details of their business.
Remember that pesto and cheese danish thing I mentioned earlier? Yes, it was one of the few items that I made sure to take a specific picture of it to capture the yumminess. It probably would have tasted even better if I had warmed it up, but it didn't last long enough for me to get it in a toaster oven or microwave. Other options we bought and loved included cupcakes, cheese dip (I'm a queso lover like you wouldn't believe and miss it dearly), bars, and brownies. I promise I didn't eat them all at once. I sampled and shared. If you are ever in the area, make the time to stop in and try their products that aren't yet on store shelves, as well as your favorites. The staff there is incredibly polite, knowledgeable, caring, and loves to share the basics of how the factory works. Until then, keep your eyes peeled for Against the Grain options in your local stores and know that you are supporting and ethical company when you buy their products.
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