Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Papa Chops Eatery is a pioneering "safe haven" for the gluten-free community. It holds the distinction of being the city's first entirely gluten-free fast-food restaurant, offering a menu where every single item—from the breading on the chicken to the dough of the pizza—is safe for those with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. The Origin Story
The eatery was
founded by Aaron Muller, whose life changed two weeks before his 40th birthday when he was diagnosed with Celiac disease. Frustrated by the difficulty of finding safe, high-quality dining options for his family, Muller decided to take matters into his own hands. He enrolled at the Grand Rapids Secchia Institute for Culinary Arts to master the craft of gluten-free cooking, eventually opening Papa Chops in June 2022 to recreate the "normal" fast-food experience he missed.