22-05-2025
Niagara-made guide aims to make restaurants more food allergy-friendly
David Giacometti says his new guide could entice a growing population that doesn't often go to restaurants.
The population he's referring to is people with food allergies.
'The food allergy community is very loyal to the restaurants that can accommodate them,' said the 36-year-old Beamsville resident and restaurant industry veteran.
Giacometti has created
Foods4U
, a paid service that will create an allergy guide for eateries that post their menus on his website.
For a fee, restaurants can use the guide as a reference tool to assist patrons with food allergies or restrictions.
'The menu items will show what allergens are contained or may contain in the dish and highlight what ingredient contains or may contains that allergen,' Giacometti said.
'The general public can also sign up for free, input what allergens or restrictions they have and see what food is available to them that meets their restrictions in the area.'
Giacometti said he got the idea for the business in 2023.
'My fiancée was given instructions by her doctor to go gluten and dairy free,' said Giacometti.
He said there was not a lot of online information at that time about where she could go out to eat, and they were getting conflicting information from some area restaurants.
He decided to do his own research and create the website and new business.
'Coming from the restaurant industry, I deal with questions about allergies multiple times a day,' said Giacometti, who has worked as a server, manager and in food preparation over the past 20 years.
Giacometti said food products are required to include a list of their ingredients. He also uses Food Allergy Canada as a reference.
His website includes items from a typical restaurant menu, and each item indicates the ingredients and who the dish can accommodate (such as people who require gluten-free or dairy-free food).
See
for more information.
Mike Minervini, owner of
The Upper Deck Taphouse & Grill
in St. Catharines, said he is considering using Giacometti's service.
'It's extremely helpful and convenient for restaurants,' Minervini said. 'It's a great idea and I highly recommend it.'
