Customers line up outside the new BIBIBOP Asian Grill in Niles. The chain is certified gluten-free and is considered a 100% gluten-free restaurant.

This restaurant allows customers to create their own bowl. Bowl options include chicken, beef, tofu, vegetables, rice, and more.

Even though nearly 2 million people suffer from celiac disease (an autoimmune disease that makes it difficult to digest gluten), finding a completely gluten-free restaurant can be difficult.

Some customers travel far just to try the grill, as all options are gluten-free.

“We drove 45 minutes from Maryland to Delaware, about 12 of us, and they said we’re here because this is the only place we can all come together and be safe. ” said Eddie Chabe, BIBIBOP Asian Grill Operations Director.

Eating just one crumb containing gluten can make someone with celiac disease sick, so certified gluten-free restaurants must take appropriate precautions.

Bailey Ehrman, associate director of communications at Beyond Celiac, says people with celiac disease need to always be mindful of their diet.

“Morning, noon, night, snack. I’m always wondering if this is safe,” Armand said.

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, the incidence of celiac disease has increased by an average of 7.5% per year over the past few decades. Still, finding these certified gluten-free restaurants can be difficult.

“People with celiac disease live in the real world. We want to go to restaurants with friends. We want to travel. We want to eat with colleagues,” said Marilyn Geller, CEO of the Celiac Disease Foundation. Told.

Gluten-free certified restaurants like BIBIBOP are regularly tested to ensure they meet the standards for a 100% gluten-free restaurant. Chaib said BIBIBOP locations are randomly inspected every year.

Niles BIBIBOP Asian Grill This will be the 38th location in Ohio and 61st in the United States.