For 18 years, Lisa Bevins was a stay-at-home mom. But with her daughter, Pepper, heading off to college, Lisa could see the empty nest looming and knew she needed a new purpose.
The idea struck: What about creating a dedicated gluten-free tasting room? Since Pepper was diagnosed with celiac disease a decade ago, their family has navigated a gluten-free lifestyle. Lisa knew how difficult it was to find safe products, so why not turn that knowledge into a relaxing, indulgent experience?
She was already running her Gluten-Free Greater Austin Facebook group to connect people with makers, but she was eager to leverage her event planning background.
“Celiac is such a socially exclusive disease because so much of our social lives revolve around food. People don’t feel like they can go out to eat with their friends—they have to ask all the questions or sit there and not eat,” says Lisa. “I wanted to have an all-inclusive event for people without having to explain themselves.”
Lisa connected with local cottage bakers and makers, who you typically only encounter at farmers’ markets. She loved hearing their stories and wanted them to be as much a part of the tasting as the food itself.
“A lot of people offer gluten-free, but it doesn’t mean that it’s safe for someone who is super sensitive,” says Lisa. “Being 100% dedicated gluten-free has been so important to my family for so long, and we just can’t take the chance. I want to make that promise to people that they are safe.”
Her first dessert tasting featured guests savoring each confection while learning about the bakers behind them. Their enthusiasm made her feel part of something bigger, and support has only grown. Gluten Guru’s donut tasting sold out a month in advance, proving the Austin area is hungry for gluten-free experiences.
She’s looking forward to seasonal tastings, with Thanksgiving in October and Christmas in November, giving guests time to discover their favorite treats and place orders before the rush. In 2027, she even hopes to launch vendor showcases to provide a larger platform.
Lisa’s learning curve hasn’t stopped. This past summer, she and Pepper took to the open waters aboard the Celiac Cruise, a luxury cruise experience designed for the gluten-free community. Staff is trained in cross-contact prevention, dedicated dining areas ensure meals are safe, and kids connect with peers who understand what they’re going through. It was a firsthand look at how differently celiac can affect people.
“To see your child be able to eat on vacation without worry means so much,” says Lisa.
That sense of freedom is what Lisa hopes to give every Gluten Guru attendee. She wants to offer a place where people can enjoy socializing over food with zero fear.
“A lot of people assume it’s just a preference,” says Lisa. “It’s not a preference. It’s a requirement. It’s their life.”
Keep up with events at: gluten-guru.com
“I tell people in the tasting that if I couldn’t serve this to my daughter, I wouldn’t serve it to you.”