Bigger space means bigger menu, but Hilton Head bakery still the spot for gluten-free
Gluten-free treats are now easier to find on Hilton Head’s north end since the G-Free Spot opened its new location in Main Street Village.
The popular gluten-free bakery had been located on the island’s south end in the Coligny area for more than two years but made the move to a larger space at 1511 Main St. on Aug. 24.
Owner Nicole Gardner said original plans were to keep both shops open, but then COVID changed everything.
“We went from a growth plan to more of a survival of business,” she said.
Finding employees to work at two locations became a difficulty that was too big to overcome amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“Staffing one place was hard enough,” Gardner explained. “Making sure there was ample staffing in both locations was a nonstarter for us. ... For us, it wasn’t a lack of business. It was a lack of staffing.”
Despite the setback in plans, there are positives in the move.
Customers can park directly in front of the bakery now, and tourists the past couple of weeks seem willing to make the drive across the island to the new location.
Plus, the new space is twice the size of the old one. That extra room is allowing G-Free Spot to expand its menu because it can now have two distinct kitchens.
“Our gluten-free kitchen area is separate from the regular kitchen,” Gardner said. She and her daughter are both strictly gluten-free, so she understands personally the need for a high level of care when baking.
G-Free Spot offers breakfast items like muffins and pastries, desserts and sweets, along with salad specials and sandwiches for lunch.
She explained that being able to offer traditional bakery items in addition to gluten-free ones makes it easier for families to come in and enjoy food together even if not everyone eats gluten-free.
While croissants and danish and cannoli are offered both ways, some menu items are offered in their gluten-free forms only, Gardner said, listing the cinnamon streusel coffee cake, lemon bars and the bakery’s line of brownies.
“Most people have absolutely no idea,” she said about the gluten-free recipes. In addition to the gluten-free items, many of the bakery’s offerings are dairy-free and vegan.
Gardner is continually looking for ways to grow her business.
“I have some great ideas for take and bake,” she said. “I just have to make sure we don’t overwhelm our staff.”
In the meantime, a smaller bit of growth will take place. This weekend, tables will be set up so the bakery will have indoor and outdoor seating.
If you go
What: G-Free Spot gluten free bakery
Where: 1511 Main Street, Suite 1511, in Main Street Village on Hilton Head Island
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday
Phone: 843-715-4105
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheGFreeSpot
Website: www.thegfreespot.com
