Navigating Celiac: A Personal Journey & St. Pete’s Gluten-Free Gem

I never thought I’d be the person scouring ingredient labels or having awkward conversations with restaurant staff about cross-contamination. But when I was recently diagnosed with Celiac disease, that became my reality.

Adjusting to this new way of eating wasn’t just about cutting out gluten—it was about relearning how to trust food again. Grocery shopping became a game of hidden ingredients, dining out turned into a negotiation, and more often than not, I found myself settling for the one menu option deemed “safe” (spoiler: it was usually a sad salad).

And then I found Craft Kafé.

Where Gluten-Free Isn’t an Afterthought

If you’ve ever felt like an afterthought when ordering at a restaurant—asking about gluten-free options, only to get the dreaded “Well… we can do a lettuce wrap?”—you understand the struggle.

But Craft Kafé isn’t just accommodating gluten-free eaters; they’re built for us. From the moment you walk in, there’s no need to ask, “Is this safe?” because everything is. No cross-contamination, no half-hearted substitutions—just incredible pastries, fresh-baked breads, and handcrafted coffee that make you forget gluten ever existed.

And this year, they’re celebrating 10 years of making gluten-free feel indulgent, not restrictive.

From Wall Street to Changing the Game in St. Pete

Craft Kafe’s story is as bold as its espresso. Founder Teddy Skiaviotis didn’t start in the bakery business—he was a Wall Street trader who began researching gluten’s effect on inflammation after an ACL injury. His deep dive into nutrition led him to experiment with a gluten-free diet, and what he discovered changed everything.

Fast forward to 2015, and Craft Kafe opened its doors, offering a menu where gluten-free wasn’t a compromise—it was the standard.

Image Craft Kafé|Facebook

More Than a Café—A Community

What makes Craft Kafe special isn’t just the food (though the almond croissants alone deserve a standing ovation). It’s the people.

Skiaviotis’ commitment to gluten-free dining started with a single customer—June Radcliffe, who struggled to find anything safe to eat at his family’s restaurant. He made her a gluten-free pizza from scratch the next day, and that moment shaped his mission: to create a space where gluten-free eaters didn’t feel like outsiders.

And that’s exactly what Craft Kafé has become—a hub where locals gather, friendships form, and milestones are celebrated. Some of the first customers who walked through the doors a decade ago are still here today, watching the café grow alongside their own families.

Image Craft Kafé|Facebook

Looking Ahead: Bigger, Better, & Still 100% Gluten-Free

Now, as Craft Kafé celebrates a decade of success, they’re gearing up for their biggest move yet—a brand-new commercial kitchen and café in the Skyway Marina District. This expansion will allow them to supply other restaurants with high-quality gluten-free options, meaning more places around St. Pete will finally be able to offer delicious, truly gluten-free food.

“This has always been a legacy project,” Skiaviotis says. “It’s about offering something special to people who need it.”

And for those of us navigating the challenges of Celiac, that “something special” means more than just great food—it means feeling seen, included, and cared for.

So here’s to 10 years of Craft Kafé, and to every Celiac warrior who just wants to eat something good.

Thinking of Going Gluten-Free? Here’s What to Try at Craft Kafe:

🔥 Almond Croissant – Life-changing. No exaggeration.
🍞 Cinnamon Raisin Loaf – Perfectly toasted with a little butter.
🍕 Gluten-Free Pizza – Because nobody should live without pizza.
☕ Craft Kafé Latte – Smooth, bold, and always on point.

💬 Have you been to Craft Kafé? What’s your go-to order? Drop a comment below!

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