I've known Jill Bommarito, owner of Ethels Edibles, for quite a few years. I don't think it's simply a coincidence that she feels like a member of my family. That's just how Jill operates. Family, friends and community are important to her. That's why she named her business after her grandma when she started her business.
Her products definitely have made an impact on my family. Her products were one of the first things my dad purchased after he had major oral surgery. She hopes to impact many more families. What started as a a stand at a farmer's market has grown into a business that's reached throughout Detroit, and hopefully beyond. Her dear grandmother would be so proud to see what she has done and created. Read more about Jill's passions and dreams below.
Grandma Ethel
Photo Courtesy of Ethel's Edibles
1. What inspired you to become a baker? Why the focus on gluten-free?
I left my highly successful real estate career in 2010 to pursue gluten-free baking. I was inspired to do so because of my family's 35 year history with Celiac disease. I saw first-hand how their food intolerances made them feel like an outsider at meals, when food is usually the thing that brings us together. My business started small, using a church facility as my kitchen, but my dream was big. My goal from day one has been to make ridiculously good food that is LOVED by all. I want wheat-free individuals to be the "rock star" when they arrive at the party with Ethel's Edibles to share! Our products are made in small hand-crafted batches, just like my grandma Ethel made. That’s the passion we strive to live out, daily.
2. Are there other highlights of your products? Dairy-free, egg-free, nut-free, etc?
We are a peanut-free facility. (We do use tree nuts) We have dairy-free offerings, and all of our products are certified kosher and free of preservatives.We are committed to using the highest quality ingredients to obtain the highest quality product. The same kind of nuts, honey, butter, etc. that you would personally seek out when you are making that "extra special" something. Regardless of how much our business grows, will continue source our ingredients this way, and we will never cut corners. We aren’t about healthy. We are about eating what you want (in moderation), eating real food, and enjoying an occasional indulgence that makes you smile.
Photo Courtesy of Ethel's Edibles
3. What steps do you take to insure that your products are truly gluten-free?
Ethel’s is a dedicated facility. Every single raw material is certified gluten-free. Our suppliers must provide us with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) prior to the materials being delivered and entering our facility. We have a very tight HACCP plan as well. (This states that no gluten is allowed on premises, not even in employee lunches or snacks.) We take the term "dedicated" very seriously! Our products are third-party tested by Midwest Laboratories and we are in the final stage in the process of gluten-free certification.
4. Can you share a story of a customer who's been greatly impacted by your business?
We have so many stories from customers that it's hard to recount them all. We enjoy the personal face-to-face time with our customers who come to our bake house, as 95% of our business goes out the back door to distributors, direct store distribution and internet sales. We cannot believe how lucky we are, because bringing joy to others with food is a gift to us. For a few samples of customer comments, you can read the reviews on our Facebook page.
Photo Courtesy of Ethel's Edibles
5. What would you like consumers to know about your products and your business?
I want Ethel's Edibles to be the first gluten-free item on the mass market that is THE preferred baked good, enjoyed by all, regardless of food allergies or intolerance. We are always looking ahead, investing in our future and in those who work for us. Our team is like our family, and that's where all the goodness starts. We want customers to know we really do care about everyone involved in making Ethel's Edibles a success. We love our customers, respect our suppliers and our business partners, and understand our responsibility to the community around us. We are here to make a difference, every day.
Ethel's Edibles
22314 Harper Ave
St Clair Shores MI 48080
(586) 552-5110
Ethel's Edibles is one of many great, dedicated gluten-free bakeries across the state of Michigan. Make sure to follow along with my #MichigansBestGF Bakery Search and learn about over 20 gluten-free bakers in Michigan. Click this link to see a comprehensive list of all the gluten-free bakers in Michigan, as well as an interactive map so you can visit them all! Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Periscopefor pictures and live videos too!
