Sherry Lynn's Gluten-Free moving and changing
The exterior of the Sherry Lynn's shop on Route 7 and one its gluten-free doughnuts.
Sherry Lynn's Gluten-Free in Latham -- which for years has been a source for items such as doughnuts and mac 'n cheese for people who can't eat gluten -- is moving and changing a bit. From a post on its Facebook page (link added):
As everyone knows our lease is up at our current location. Our plan was to purchase a building and continue. Unfortunately with the growing competition offering gluten free in the area there is little support for the restaurant portion of our business, being a small family business we are unable to compete. So we we will be closing mid December ( exact date unknown ). We have found a location at 11 Herbert Drive, Latham, NY 12110, where we will be able to continue offering safe gluten free baked goods, but will not continue the restaurant at this location. We are getting a late start on fitting out this building so we will be closed for sometime. Please help us spread the word and share this on your wall. we will keep everyone posted as soon as we know closing date and reopen date. Thank you for your continued support.
In the last few years there seems to have been a significant upswing in awareness of celiac disease and the number of people avoiding gluten, and restaurants and supermarkets have reacted accordingly. It's not uncommon now to see the menu at a restaurant include at least a few items that are specifically marked as gluten free.
And while that's good for people who are allergic to gluten, it sounds like the spread of gf options has cut into Sherry Lynn's business. One of the complications of a niche going mainstream.
Earlier on AOA: A few years back we compiled a listing of local gluten-free restaurant options (2011)
exterior photo via Sherry Lynn's Gluten Free FB
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Comments
So bummed about this. In my dreams they would be in a cozy Lark Street or Delso storefront.
... said Laura on Nov 18, 2013 at 11:28 AM | link
If our experience is an indication, the service in the restaurant may have a lot to do with this closure. It's too bad. It would have been nice to have a restaurant that was committed to a total gluten-free dining experience, which involves more that just the food preparation.
... said Rudy on Nov 18, 2013 at 12:45 PM | link
Unfortunately, it was almost certainly not the competition that has resulted in the demise of Sherry Lynn's, but the poor and rude service of the owners and employees. I, as well as others I know, have dined there on more than one occasion. The service was horrible and the treatment to the customers by Sherry Lynn herself was rude and totally unprofessional. I stopped eating there a long time ago. This was disappointing to me as it was great to have a restaurant in the capital region that I could go and not have to worry whether I would get "glutened" after a meal. I do wish them well, however, hoping that they learn to deal with customers in a more professional and positive manner.
... said Maribeth on Nov 18, 2013 at 12:58 PM | link
Hmm, I personally have no idea where these negative comments are coming from.
I ive in Argyle (50 miles away) and always looked forward to a meal at Sherry Lynn's. The family & other staff were always wonderful & fun. I have a degree in Professional Chef. Challenges in a business, such as hers, are numerous.
I plan to visit & support their new business venture.
Best of luck to all.
P.S. if I ever win a lottery, the Sherry Lynn family is on my "List of Recipients", too. : )
... said kathy fullerton on Feb 13, 2014 at 10:36 AM | link
I simply cannot understand any negative comments made by people about Sherry Lynn's. The Birches have dedicated themselves to the GFcommunity and only a small minded person would slam them. They provided people with safe, delicious TOTALLY GF food for years --from source, to prep to table---LONG before any other places did it and now they are kicked to the curb? Shame on you people!! I ate there several times a week after my celiac diagnosis and I was grateful to have them taking care of me. Sherry gave me solace and advice and Howie and the children embraced me like family. I moved to Florida recently and I miss them more than I can express. I hope their efforts pay off in their new place and when I go back to Albany to visit, I will head straight for Sherry Lynn's.
... said Ginny Ryan on Jun 12, 2014 at 8:58 PM | link