Celiac patients following the smell of gluten-free donairs to Stony Plain
Just how strong is the lure of a beloved Alberta street food? To some, worth an hour's drive, the owners of a new restaurant in Stony Plain have discovered.
In the two-and-a-half weeks Wheet Nothings in the town's Multicultural Heritage Centre has been open, the Frechette family has sold nearly 300 donairs.
"We have people that are driving from Beaumont and Leduc and Westlock and Sangudo. We have people as far as coming from Edson just to have our food," Jodi Frechette told CTV News Edmonton on Thursday.
She was diagnosed with Celiac disease three years ago and quickly realized how much she may have to miss out on – including donairs.
Jodi Frechette says the idea for Wheet Nothings originated because she "missed having donairs."
"It's very hard to find safe places that don't have cross contamination with their food. They say gluten friendly, but I've had more than my fair share of reactions and it's very frustrating," Jodi explained. "All of this started because I missed having donairs. And you can't find a gluten-free donair anywhere."
She noted there are some really good gluten-free products out there, but not many, and eating out can be tough for families.
THE DONAIR RECIPE
The Wheet Nothings' rising star of a donair recipe is a creation by Jodi's son, Justice, and like most of the restaurant's offerings, is made in house. From sauces to dressings to the cured meats in in their Cubano, clubhouse and meatball sandwiches, "everything is safe," Jodi says.
"It's mostly just finding the right brands and all that for the spices," Justice added. "You just kind of got to watch what you're putting in it."
Jodi Frechette says the idea for Wheet Nothings originated because she "missed having donairs." Her son Justice created the recipe which has drawn Albertans from as far as Edson, nearly two hours away.
Wheet Nothings does source its breads from Care Bakery in Calgary and Kinnikinnick Fresh & Foods HQ in Edmonton, as well as its ice cream from Foothills Creamery. Altogether, it's a menu many families have thanked them for creating.
"The kids are so excited they can finally have ice cream in a cone, not just a cup, and there's no risk of having a sore tummy afterwards," Jodi told CTV News Edmonton.
Justice – a welder-turned-cook amid slow oilfield work – called his new job so far "super rewarding."
And busy.
"Little hard to keep up in the kitchen, sometimes," Justice laughed, "but doing the best I can."
The business sold out of donair meat – which takes three days to prepare – in the first three days of business. So he and Jodi have been making quadruple batches to keep up with demand.
"It's been a roller coast and a completely thrilling ride. We're loving every second of it," Jodi said, thanking the community and her family for their support.
She sees potential for the business to start a food truck or open a second location – but far in the future.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Evan Klippenstein
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Demonstrators kicked out of Ontario legislature for disruption after failed keffiyeh vote
A group of demonstrators were kicked out of the legislature after a second NDP motion calling for unanimous consent to reverse a ban on the keffiyeh failed to pass.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.