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Matteo’s Pizza offers Gluten-Free Specialties
By MELISSA WEBBCorrespondent
Matteo’s Pizza has been a local favorite since 2000. When owner Peter Spellman was looking for a way to expand his business last June, he stumbled upon a niche group of customers that are often overlooked by many in the restaurant industry.
 | Photo by Melissa Webb
Peter Spellman, owner of Matteo’s Pizza (right) with son Matthew, General Manager.
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“We were attending an international pizza convention when I learned about the possibilities of making gluten-free pizza,” said Spellman. “The more I learned about the process, the more committed I became to offering this alternative to our customers.”
Gluten-free products are a must for people with Celiac Disease, a lifelong autoimmune intestinal disorder that causes a toxic reaction in
the ingestion of gluten which interferes with the absorption of nutrients and can result
in damage to the mucosal surface of the small intestine. Persons with Celiac Disease are advised to avoid proteins found in all forms of wheat and related grains because such foods can be harmful to them.
Spellman invested time and resources to developing a gluten-free process for making pizza. The gluten-free pizzas are made in a separate room that is closed off from the rest of the kitchen. Positive air pressure keeps any flour particles out of the gluten-free room. Separate mixers and utensils are used to prepare the gluten-free pizza.
“We have gone to extra lengths to ensure a clean product for our customers,” said Spellman. “We know it’s working because we have so much repeat business for our gluten-free products. You only get one chance to make a first impression.”
Each ingredient that goes into a Matteo’s gluten-free pizza is certified by the supplier to be gluten-free. That includes many ingredients that seem unlikely to have gluten such as barbeque sauce, chicken and sausage.
“There are so many places where gluten can be introduced,” said Spellman. “We have spent time and effort in educating ourselves so that we can offer the public a truly gluten-free product.”
Nearly everyday, customers thank Spellman for his efforts. Many of them are overjoyed to discover they can enjoy a favorite treat that they thought would always be off-limits to them.
“Some of our customers come here and they haven’t been able to eat pizza in 10 years,” said Spellman. “It is amazing that such a simple thing can make them so happy. Pizza is one of the foods they love the most and now they can enjoy it again.”
Matteo’s gluten-free pizzas have become so popular that Spellman has begun shipping them all over the country. He has developed a special flash-freeze method that allows fully-cooked pizzas to be shipped ready to be reheated and eaten.
“Our main mission is to take care of people within driving distance, but since there are so few pizza places like this out there, we wanted to make this product available to as many people as possible,” said Spellman.
The frozen pizzas can also be taken to-go by local customers to have on hand as a ready-made meal. They can be ordered with any combination of ingredients including white sauce and pesto. If ordered at the store, the pizzas can be prepared within 15 minutes.
Spellman has also added casein-free pizzas to the menu. The casein-free pizzas use a casein-free cheese. Matteo’s gluten-free and casein-free pizzas are frequently requested by resorts and even other pizzerias who want to offer such options to their customers. They are also available on Matteo’s catering menu, which is a relief to many party planners wishing to accommodate all of their guests’ dietary needs.
“These dietary needs affect a small percentage of the market that has a demand, but no-one is meeting their needs,” said Spellman. “The reward is in how much our efforts are truly appreciated by these folks. We are setting a high standard that will hopefully inspire other restaurants to do the same.”
Matteo’s Pizza also has a full menu of traditional pizzas. All of the ingredients are prepared in-house, including the meats and fresh produce. Spellman buys the finest tomato products out of California and cheese only from Wisconsin.
“Our red sauce is fresh packed in the field so the flavor is consistent throughout the year,” said Spellman. “We never use concentrate and we don’t add sugar. The result is a good, natural taste.”
Matteo’s Pizza is open seven nights a week and for lunch Monday through Saturday. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 4 to 8:30 p.m. For carry-out or delivery orders or catering services, call: (615) 661-5811. Online ordering will be available soon on the Web site: www.matteospizza.com.
Matteo’s Pizza is located at 1800 Carothers Parkway in the Cool Springs area south of Moore’s Lane.
Correspondent Melissa Webb can be reached at melw@charterinternet.com
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Kathy M. wrote on Apr 28, 2008 4:40 PM: