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Asbury Park’s first fully gluten-free bakery and cafeteria-style restaurant is set for a soft opening Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

My Momma’s will sell a variety of affordable food choices geared to people with celiac disease or who may have gluten [a protein found in wheat, rye and barley] sensitivity, such as dehydrated fruits, cashew cheese cakes, gluten-free tortilla hummus wraps, soups, salad dressings, veggie burgers, chocolate chip “euphoria” cookie made out of almond flour, a savory eggplant French toast, chocolate avocado tarts and more.

Essentially, it’s going to be a celiac safe haven as well as a family oriented kind of place,” said co-owner True Kucharski.

My Momma’s will carry takeout food, prepared entrees and custom orders for home cooking. The restaurant won’t be a full service eatery but a few tables will be set up for those that want to grab a bite to eat and sit in the cafeteria they plan to use for cooking demonstrations, taste testings, and special dinners, he said.

“Between classes, dinners, and other events, we are working to reawaken a sense of community and a desire to learn,” he said.

Everything is hand made, a rooftop garden will eventually be used to grow the fruits and vegetables used in some of the recipes, he said, and other artisan vendors’ gluten-free products will be carried in the store as well.

Kucharski, 20, and his mother, Linda Kucharski, 55, built the store on the second floor of the Kolorworks building, their family-owned custom car paint and body shop located at 903 First Ave., near the corner of First Avenue and Memorial Drive.

Years ago, Linda was diagnosed with a gluten sensitivity has since been cooking gluten-free foods for herself and her family. She took them to a local farmer’s market to sell and they were a hit, True said.

“My thing is, I’ve got to make it taste like it’s not gluten free or I’m not making it,” said Linda Kucharski. “In this place, the burger and fries type can meet with the healthy eater and both can walk away satisfied. Everyone can find something without trying to find a graceful way to exit.”

The Kucharski’s have owned and operated Kolorworks for over 30 years, but as My Momma’s grows they will be looking to phase out the body shop business, Linda Kucharski said.

“This is my true passion — food,” she said.

A grand opening celebration will be held at the end of the month; My Momma’s will also still sell their gluten-free fare at local farmers’ markets.

My Momma’s is located at 903 First Ave. For more information, call 732-898-1011 or visit their Facebook page. 

[Pictured above, from left to right: Business partners Chase Kaplan, Chelcie Piasio, A.J. Bale, Linda and True Kucharski.]

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