Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com!
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Bj's Pizza Ok?

Kelly&Mom

By Kelly&Mom
in Gluten-Free Restaurants

Recommended Posts

Kelly&Mom Rookie
Kelly&Mom
Posted

Recently we ate at a BJ's restaurant, eager to try their gluten-free pizza. When I asked the manager about how it was baked, he said it goes in the same oven as the rest of the regular pizza. When I questioned that the pizza was truly gluten-free he said that the extreme heat in the oven burns off any gluten??? My daughter was so excited to get pizza so we tried it and it was quite good and I didn't experience any side effects. My daughter did but w/ her it's hard to tell if it's gluten or her IBF reacting to the dairy and fat......

Does anyone know if this is really true about the heat of the oven burning off the gluten?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Dixiebell Contributor
Dixiebell
Posted

No the heat will not burn off the gluten, Sadly he is wrong.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
GlutenFreeManna Rising Star
GlutenFreeManna
Posted

Do you mean they bake it right on the oven grate and not on it's own pan or stone? I don't think that would be safe at all! Unless they stop all pizzas from baking and heat the oven to 650 degrees for 30 minutes before putting your pizza through. Which, I'm sure they didn't do because they would have some upset people if they had to wait more than 30 minutes to get their pizza. :huh:

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Cheryl-C Enthusiast
Cheryl-C
Posted

"Burn off all the gluten" - wow. Sounds like someone isn't training their staff properly at all.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Kelly&Mom Rookie
Kelly&Mom
  • Author
Posted

This is a big chain restaurant in California, wonder how they can get away with advertising a "gluten=free" menu?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
scarlett77 Apprentice
scarlett77
Posted

As much as I have loved BJ's food their service has ALWAYS been crappy so I would NEVER trust them at all.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Aphreal Contributor
Aphreal
Posted

Our waitress said she tells the manager about allergies to *assure* gluten-free pizza baking.

I did not like it...at.... all. I would rather make my own using Bobs crust and my own stuff than go out to eat and eat that particular crust. I disliked it so much I just scrapped off the toppings and ate those.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


Skylark Collaborator
Skylark
Posted

Our local celiac support group talked to BJ's and they are using a dedicated station and separate pizza boards in the oven for the gluten-free pizza. I've had it twice. It's really, really good and I didn't react at all. I think that manager was just dumb.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
celiac-mommy Collaborator
celiac-mommy
Posted

I was going to take my kids to ours tomorrow, I'll let you know how it goes...

Link to comment
Share on other sites
celiac-mommy Collaborator
celiac-mommy
Posted

I was going to take my kids to ours tomorrow, I'll let you know how it goes...

It went great! I talked to the manager and he was really helpful and told me exactly how everything was prepared to prevent cross contamination. It cost 10.50 for a 10 inch hawaiian pizza. Both kids shared and we had pieces left over to bring home. I watched both kids like a hawk, and with dd being so extremely sensitive, there was no reaction! We'll go back for sure :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Looking for answers Contributor
Looking for answers
Posted

I love the gluten-free pizza there. I don't eat out much for risk of CC, but haven't had any problems there. I find they differ by location. We tend to go to a particular one a little further from our house because the closer one put a "allergy" alert on my order and then brought a salad with croutons. They ended up fixing the order and apologizing, but that made me too nervous to ever return.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 2 weeks later...
G-FreeGirl Newbie
G-FreeGirl
Posted

I've had 3 great experiences at the BJ's in Valencia, CA. Before going gluten-free...I didn't care for BJ's at all. The first time I ordered the gluten-free pizza, the manager came over and talked to me, he was VERY interested in my situation and shared with me how his mother had been gluten-free for 5 months. He did not say whether they bake the pizza directly on the oven grate and I never thought to ask...but I did not get sick the 3 times that I went there. Each time they seemed to make a big deal over me...it was nice but almost embarrassing! I look forward to going back!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
larry mac Enthusiast
larry mac
Posted

Our local celiac support group talked to BJ's and they are using a dedicated station and separate pizza boards in the oven for the gluten-free pizza. I've had it twice. It's really, really good and I didn't react at all. I think that manager was just dumb.

Our local Celiac group went there and described it the same as this post (except the dumb manager part lol). Appearently, the manager is notified and handles the process personally.

best regards, lm

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 2 months later...
katerzz Newbie
katerzz
Posted

Hubby & son have had gluten-free pizza three times now from BJs and was great both times, no effects. It is amazing for moms like me who want to give their child a somewhat normal experience. Homemade pizza just isnt the same, and surely doesnt taste the same!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
brendygirl Community Regular
brendygirl
Posted

I've tried a lot of gluten-free pizza in the 5 years I've had celiac, and BJ's is the BEST I've had. I only got to have it once in California when it just came out, days before I moved to the East Coast where I can't get it.

The manager came out, without request, and explained the big training all the staff underwent and the separate preparation area.

I react to EVERYTHING, so it was great that this didn't bother me.

Here in VA, there is much more gluten-free friendly food than in whole-grain crazy CA, but no pizza compares to BJ's.

I've had Z's, but it gets soggy in the middle and the fresh, organic toppings are good, but it's not anything close to real pizza.

I've had Rustico, with the chickpea crust, which is fair, but dry and dense. I have to request a bowl of sauce on the side to dip it in.

I've had Garlic Jim's in CA, but I didn't like the crust. I don't remember exactly what it was, but the texture was off.

I've had Uno's, which is fair, but on the dry side, too. Need sauce to dip it in, also.

I'm from Chicago originally, so I like pizza!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 2 months later...
Emily928 Newbie
Emily928
Posted

I've had good luck at the BJ's in Louisville, KY. A lot of other members in our group love their pizza and I haven't heard of anyone getting glutened. They seem very knowledgable also. I just wish their sauce wasn't so sweet, and I'd probably order it more often. It's great to be able to grab a pizza on the way home from work! I also heard that line about heat "burning off" gluten, not at BJ's, but from the Maitre'd at a very nice restaurant, who said it so condescendingly, like silly me, I should have known that! So frustrating!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Michelle1234 Contributor
Michelle1234
Posted

Thanks for posting this. I didn't even know they had a gluten free menu or that there was one near me. I tried it yesterday at the Westminster CO location. I thought the pizza was very good. I also got a gluten free Caesar salad. Unfortunately something glutened me. Since it was a new restaurant I took my glutenease digestive enzymes and still had a reaction. Normally for a little cross contamination they protect me. I have to conclude that there was a much larger amount of gluten contamination then a small accident.

I don't know if they put the croutons on the salad and picked them off or weren't careful with the pizza. I find that these big chains can really vary by location. Since I had left over pizza I will try that today. If I get a reaction I'm never going back. If not I'll be very careful next time I go to talk to a manager and really examine their gluten free preparation to see if it seems to be doing the right things. I didn't this time and that was a huge mistake.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
MaryJones2 Enthusiast
MaryJones2
Posted

I've eating the pizza at BJ's several times and had no problems and have never even spoken to a manager during the process. The gluten-free pizza comes out on a triangular plate whereas the regular pizza comes out on rectangular plate. I haven't tried any of the other items on their gluten-free menu. I'd be more inclined to think you got CC from the salad unless you had the meatballs on your pizza - they aren't gluten-free.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Michelle1234 Contributor
Michelle1234
Posted

I'd be more inclined to think you got CC from the salad unless you had the meatballs on your pizza - they aren't gluten-free.

No meatballs on the pizza and unfortunately it was the pizza. I had leftover and gave it another try. I took the enzymes again, just in case, and still got glutened. I won't be going back. Luckily we have at least two other pizza restaurants in the area where I've never had a problem and I don't even need to take the digestive enzymes there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
MaryJones2 Enthusiast
MaryJones2
Posted

No meatballs on the pizza and unfortunately it was the pizza. I had leftover and gave it another try. I took the enzymes again, just in case, and still got glutened. I won't be going back. Luckily we have at least two other pizza restaurants in the area where I've never had a problem and I don't even need to take the digestive enzymes there.

That is such a shame. Hopefully this will turn out to be a rare occurance at their chain.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • 4 weeks later...
Bella001 Explorer
Bella001
Posted

That is such a shame. Hopefully this will turn out to be a rare occurance at their chain.

Just had BJ's pizza for the first time last week. It was VERY good and I didn't get sick! The manager seemed very well informed and put my mind at ease. I'm in The Woodlands, TX area.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Salax Contributor
Salax
Posted

I agree though that the sauce on the pizza is too sweet. I asked if their original sauce was safe, but they were unsure. Maybe a "white sauce" pizza is available. I will have to check it out. B)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. plumbago
      - plumbago replied to Suzi374's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      3

      Lots of tests

      I'm also a nurse, but one who has worked in chronic care, and to some extent, it is more satisfying to see patients through to a diagnosis (as opposed to working in the ED), but an accurate diagnosis does not occur not as often as it should! Your posting presents a lot of information. But a couple of things I can respond to. One, celiac disease is diagnosed...
    2. trents
      - trents replied to Suzi374's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      3

      Lots of tests

      Was a biopsy done when you had your gastroscopy? Concerning your anemia, are you B12 deficient? It's nearly impossible to get sufficient B12 if you are a vegetarian unless you take supplements.
    3. Suzi374
      - Suzi374 replied to Suzi374's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      3

      Lots of tests

      And I’m anaemic, however I’m also female and vegetarian. I had an iron trans a couple of years ago however it’s starting to dwindle and taking supplements doesn’t seem to work. I can’t seem to absorb it.
    4. Suzi374
      - Suzi374 posted a topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      3

      Lots of tests

      Hi, I attended a neurologist appt last Tuesday, which I nearly cancelled, due to ongoing numbness and tingling in toes to mid foot. One of the first things he asked was ‘are you celiac’. I’m not. He thought all reflexes were ok but at the last minute decided on nerve conduction tests which were low normal. He was a little confused as he felt they should be be...
    5. Peace lily
      - Peace lily posted a topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      0

      Would like to gain weight

      Im still not gaining weight I’m on a gluten free diet . And still having issues with constapation started priobiocs figured it would help been over two weeks . I guess it’s going to be a long road for me .
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      121,226
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    NYKaren
    Newest Member
    NYKaren
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      120.3k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • plumbago
      Lots of tests

      By plumbago · Posted

      I'm also a nurse, but one who has worked in chronic care, and to some extent, it is more satisfying to see patients through to a diagnosis (as opposed to working in the ED), but an accurate diagnosis does not occur not as often as it should! Your posting presents a lot of information. But a couple of things I can respond to. One, celiac disease is diagnosed by endoscopy and biopsy of the duodenum. So, pathology will need to weigh in. It's not diagnosed on gastroscopy. (At least, not as far as I know). Two, did you get blood tests for celiac disease? You will need to be eating gluten in order for those to be accurate. Three, where was the CT angiogram (of what)? I could go on and on, but thought I'd start there.
    • trents
      Lots of tests

      By trents · Posted

      Was a biopsy done when you had your gastroscopy? Concerning your anemia, are you B12 deficient? It's nearly impossible to get sufficient B12 if you are a vegetarian unless you take supplements.
    • Suzi374
      Lots of tests

      By Suzi374 · Posted

      And I’m anaemic, however I’m also female and vegetarian. I had an iron trans a couple of years ago however it’s starting to dwindle and taking supplements doesn’t seem to work. I can’t seem to absorb it. 
    • Suzi374
      Lots of tests

      By Suzi374 · Posted

      Hi, I attended a neurologist appt last Tuesday, which I nearly cancelled, due to ongoing numbness and tingling in toes to mid foot. One of the first things he asked was ‘are you celiac’. I’m not. He thought all reflexes were ok but at the last minute decided on nerve conduction tests which were low normal. He was a little confused as he felt they should be better and tried a new set of probs, all the time, giving me multiple shocks which were not enjoyable lol. Anyway, he’s now ordered tests for myeloma, and all the vitaminy things that so many of you mention on here, also tests looking for autoimmune responses. I already have Hashimotos. Interestingly, to me, but maybe someone out there can relate or knows more than i do, although I was a nurse, but ED not ‘weird symptoms’  nurse. Anyway back to the interesting thing, I took duramine in 2013 to lose weight which caused a massive panic attack when I stopped taking it and half my hair fell out. I only took it for a week but it was horrible and I regret it. It triggered ongoing panic attacks which are horrendous. So I feel like I’m a bit crazy. Then in 2020 I had this sudden onset of horrible pain when trying to eat a cinnamon roll. It continued and I lost around 20 kgs. I had two gastroscopes and a colonoscopy and they were all normal. I scored a barium swallow and CT angiogram. All normal. The pain subsided a little but I was left with reflux and an awful feeling that I couldn’t get air when I ate some foods. This was not anxiety.  The anxiety was separate and I still maintain this. This was something to do with eating. It was like the air was thick but I wasn’t short of breath. I just had the sensation I was, then it triggered anxiety. Anyway, I had other weird things- couldn’t bend knees to shave legs in shower lol. Knees felt stiff and swollen but they weren’t. Knee WOUld swell up randomly but mri showed minimal issues. A bit of a meniscus degeneration but insignificant. Then the buzzing sensations in my head, the feeling like someone was stabbing me with something sharp. So now, I pre empted his tests, although I don’t think I’m celiac because it should have come up on gastroscopy, I’ve gone off gluten. Since Tuesday last week so 9 days. Since then I don’t appear to be as constipated, I realised I got through today without a nap and I’m not tired, maybe it’s just today and not related but I get very tired normally and sleep straight after work often, I can bend my knees and shave my legs lol, the buzzing vibrating has gone from my head, I had to call and ambulance as my heart decided we were off on a run, but we weren’t running and I’ve been a bit twitchy at bed time when trying to sleep, reflux is improving, I did get the weird suffocating feeling a bit when eating today but not as bad normall. Tingling and numbness still present and I felt like it moved up my legs a bit today but I’m a bit jittery. So I don’t know if it’s celiac disease or a gluten intolerance but I think, and it may be wishful thinking because my symptoms do make life a bit challenging, but maybe I’m feeling better. I don’t feel as cloudy. My thinking feels crisper. Like there’s no buzzing and I’m not fighting to break through the cloudiness now. I hope so much that this may help me feel a bit better moving forward. It would be a miracle as I really have struggled to work and parent and keep the house clean and I’m always anxious and exhausted.  If you get this far, please tell me if you you can relate to any of the above. Oh and tonsils out 5 years ago but before that antibiotics multiple times a year, sometimes intramuscular because they were so bad.  Op was meant to take 30 mins, it took 1.5 hours due to size of them. 
    • Peace lily
      Would like to gain weight

      By Peace lily · Posted

      Im still not gaining weight I’m on a gluten free diet . And still having issues with constapation started priobiocs figured it would help been over two weeks . I guess it’s going to be a long road for me .
×
×
  • Create New...