The Dotted Lime has definitely succeeded in being “different”. Chef Paul explains “as far as we know we are the only 100% gluten-free restaurant in the entire state. There are some bakeries that are gluten-free facilities, but no other restaurants that we can find. Actually, we may be one of only 5 fully gluten-free restaurants in the entire United States.” He further explains, “I don’t have to eat gluten-free but I’m excited to create a restaurant where those who do can come eat, and those like me who don’t – well, they can’t tell anyway.”

It’s actually much more than just gluten-free that brings their customers from hours away on any given day of the week. Chrissy explains “We wanted to be allergen-friendly. I personally know from experience how hard it is to go out to eat with allergies and how hard it is to find a place that understands your needs and that won’t make an uneducated mistake that leads to serious health complications. We didn’t stop at just gluten-free, we went ahead and decided to be tree-nut and peanut free as a facility as well.” The allergen community has definitely responded. Amy L. From Nashville says “I just visited yesterday and may I say it was an absolute DREAM! My daughter has Celiac and to see her 12 year old face light up after the cinnamon rolls was PRICELESS.” Chef Paul states that “when dealing with food allergies it’s easy to get bogged down in what the consumer CAN’T have. However, if you instead focus on everything they CAN have, you open up a whole world of flavors and potential combinations which allows your creativity to really shine.”

While the allergy community may have embraced The Dotted Lime for their philosophy on ingredients, the local foodies have also flocked to the restaurant for their “clean and local” menu. “We have great relationships with some local farmers who grow some terrific products!” explains Chef Paul. “Our chicken, pork, lamb, beef and eggs are all raised nearby by farmers who are pasture raising healthy animals and only feeding non-GMO when necessary. They are producing the ingredients that make it easy to create great food.” Local farms include Taylor Family Farm out of Etheridge, TN, Hippo Hollow Farm in Columbia and Glendale Farm in Columbia.

In keeping with their non-traditional restaurant approach, they also offer vegetarian and vegan options including pastries. “All of our breads are vegan-friendly and the cinnamon rolls we are ‘almost famous’ for are vegan as well! I jokingly say they are ‘hypoallergenic’ since they are free from all 8 top allergens.” They also offer coconut wraps for keto/grain free customers.

Spending the past 15 years asking for gluten-free options at restaurants and being given false information or treated like a difficult customer has educated the Jensens on what’s missing in the restaurant industry.