Our Story...Why Gud n Free?
The table is set and it's time to eat...dig in. All of a sudden, my
youngest daughter starts vomiting violently. Only two-years-old, she
desperately wants to eat, even after getting sick. But she can't. She
cries, my wife cries, and I have tears welling up...unaware of what to do, to
help my baby girl. That was the start of learning Alyssa had Celiac
disease. And through testing, we found out our oldest, Ava, also has
celiac disease and is a-symptomatic...quietly destroying her insides. So
we started our gluten-free diet, like so many others have to do. Which in turn
ended our carefree lifestyle of eating on the go.
I'm Mike Orlando. My wife, Brenda and I have been living
that lifestyle for five years. We are working parents that care deeply
for their children and struggle to find options in restaurants...at least,
those that are definitely clear of contaminants. It is always a risk for us. Sometimes you just want to go out to eat or grab a quick bite on the go.
We don't want to be sad, angry, or depressed. We just want to take
action. Gud and Free is our action. Gud n Free will be the first
allergy-free restaurant in the region...we have found nothing like this within 250
miles of us. The facility will be free of wheat, gluten, fish and nuts. With our cooking style we can also avoid dairy and soy as well.
We will be serving burgers, breaded chicken sandwiches and subs on good bread or with many other features. We have worked to find good food, which took a lot of research as well as trial and error. But it's good. You might not even know the difference, or perhaps like it better.
By helping us, you will give people the opportunity to
eat the same foods that many take for granted...to feel "included" instead of
"excluded." We believe this will be something big, so don't think of it as a handout, think of it as doing your part to improve our community...paying it forward.
Families will unite over food again safely. Please join
the cause and support us. You never know, it could be you or your family.
Allergens and intolerances are consistently on the rise. Help us create this
option here in Siouxland.
Together, Gud n Free will do it.
What We're Asking
The goal for this crowd funding
campaign is to raise 20,000 dollars. The
money raised will be used to furnish the new facility with new safe cooking equipment
and comfortable seating and décor. Those with food allergies and intolerances know how necessary a safe kitchen is to
the dining experience. For those with food allergies and intolerances, you will be excited
to know we are looking out for you Any time you’re in our area…you have
a safe place to eat. Remember, there’s
nothing like this in our part of the country, and we want to spread the word.
The Impact
Gud n Free
allows the chance for people to have a safe dining experience that everyone
deserves. On a broader level, it’s the
concept of giving back to our community….making all people feel welcome. When you
donate, you can know you are doing something for the greater good.
The food will be “stick to your ribs” comfort fast food of
the Midwest to include burgers with buns, fries and breaded chicken. Other
options will include salads and subs. We hope to branch out into baked goods
very soon, as well. We want to have a
menu that would attract more than just allergy-free people, as people unite
around food. We believe we have achieved that. We want to see families enjoying
themselves eating out at our location without worry.
It might not be for everyone…but at least we
know it can be for anyone. I (Mike) have a background in marketing and public relations, while I have enlisted the help of a trained chef, who has helped run four restaurants. From a business
sense, we have people on our team that have areas of expertise in accounting,
sales, food and beverage and restaurant management. We have the people to make this work. We have done our research.
Ways You Can Help
Any denomination of a cash donation helps. See our perks!
You can help by coming to Gud n
Free and trying our food when we open. We would love to serve you.
Also, help us by spreading the word
to everyone you know especially including those with allergies and intolerances. We
believe many of those with allergies and intolerances will also believe in our cause, and there are many
passionate people out there. Spread the word to others about us here on Indiegogo and on Facebook.
Thank you so much for your support! Our family, and many like us will be so
grateful.