Coopers Hawk is a popular upscale casual dining restaurant chain with locations across the United States. With its contemporary American cuisine and extensive wine list, Coopers Hawk aims to provide a refined yet relaxed dining experience. For those with dietary restrictions, like a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, dining out can be challenging. Finding gluten-free menu options is important for these customers. So an important question is: Does Coopers Hawk offer gluten-free bread?
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, rye, and barley. It acts as a glue that helps bread and other baked goods hold their shape. For most people, consuming gluten is not a problem. However, for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten triggers an abnormal immune response that damages the small intestine. This can cause a variety of unpleasant gastrointestinal and other symptoms. The only treatment is following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet, avoiding all foods and beverages containing gluten.
The Importance of Gluten-Free Bread
Bread is a dietary staple for many people. But traditional breads are made from gluten-containing flours like wheat. When you have to follow a gluten-free diet, finding tasty gluten-free bread options becomes extremely important. Bread lends itself to being the base for sandwiches, toast, rolls, croutons, breadcrumbs, and more. Having access to gluten-free bread provides more dining choices and a sense of normalcy. It also helps reduce the feelings of deprivation and social isolation that can come with a major dietary restriction.
Gluten-Free Dining at Coopers Hawk
Coopers Hawk understands the importance of accommodating various dietary needs and restrictions. Their menu and kitchen procedures aim to provide safe and enjoyable dining experiences for gluten-sensitive guests. The waitstaff receives training on safely preparing and serving gluten-free orders. The kitchen takes steps to avoid cross-contamination when preparing gluten-free dishes.
The restaurant offers a separate gluten-free menu featuring appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts. Menu items that are naturally gluten-free are marked with a GF designation. Modifications can also be made to exclude gluten from certain dishes. For example, a guest can order a dish served on gluten-free bread or with a gluten-free side substitution.
Bread Options at Coopers Hawk
So what about the all-important question of bread? The regular Coopers Hawk menu features a few bread basket options, like Asiago cheese bread and multigrain bread. These contain gluten from wheat flour. However, for gluten-free guests, the restaurant offers a gluten-free bread basket on request.
Gluten-Free Bread Basket
The gluten-free bread is supplied by one of Coopers Hawk’s vendors. It typically includes two pieces:
- White gluten-free bread
- Multigrain gluten-free bread
This allows gluten-free guests to enjoy a bread basket with their meal, just like other guests. The gluten-free bread looks and tastes quite similar to regular bread.
Other Gluten-Free Starters
In addition to the gluten-free bread basket, Coopers Hawk offers these gluten-free starter options:
- Chilled jumbo shrimp cocktail
- Tuna poke
- Caesar salad
- House salad
- Wedge salad
- Strawberry salad
So there are ample gluten-free appetizers and salads to choose from, whether you want bread or not.
Is the Gluten-Free Bread Safe?
A common concern when dining out gluten-free is the risk of cross-contamination from gluten-containing foods. However, Coopers Hawk implements strong protocols to avoid this occurring:
- Gluten-free bread is sourced from reputable gluten-free bakery vendors.
- Bread comes individually packaged or wrapped to prevent contamination.
- Kitchen staff use dedicated gluten-free prep surfaces and tools.
- Gluten-free items are marked clearly from when received to when served.
- Staff change gloves, wash hands, and prep areas thoroughly between gluten and gluten-free orders.
Following these procedures helps assure no traces of gluten come into contact with the gluten-free bread or other menu items.
Gluten-Free Dinner Rolls
In addition to the gluten-free bread basket, Coopers Hawk provides the option of gluten-free dinner rolls. These are typically served with the restaurant’s gluten-free entrées for lunch and dinner.
The gluten-free rolls are also supplied by trusted specialty vendors. They are receipted, stored, prepared, and served following the same diligent gluten-free protocols.
Having gluten-free rolls allows gluten-sensitive guests to enjoy a meal similar to those not requiring a special diet. The fresh rolls complement various entrée dishes like steaks, chops, fish, and poultry.
Types of Gluten-Free Rolls
Some examples of the gluten-free dinner rolls offered at Coopers Hawk include:
- White gluten-free rolls
- Multi-grain gluten-free rolls
- Soft gluten-free pretzel rolls
- Demi baguette gluten-free rolls
So there is decent variety to enhance your dining experience. Keep in mind that specific roll selection may vary by restaurant location and availability.
Other Gluten-Free Entrée Side Options
Along with rolls, Coopers Hawk offers these gluten-free-friendly sides and substitutions to accompany entrees:
- Baked potatoes
- Double baked potatoes
- Broccoli
- Asparagus
- Brussels sprouts
- Sweet potato fries
- Fruit cups
The list of gluten-free sides continues to expand as Coopers Hawk modifies menu offerings. But there are ample healthy and tasty substitutions to pair with your meal.
Dessert
Coopers Hawk diners can end their meal on a sweet note with the restaurant’s gluten-free dessert selections:
- Flourless chocolate cake
- Fresh mixed fruit
- Sorbets
The flourless chocolate cake is rich and fudgy thanks to a blend of chocolate, eggs, butter, and sugar. The fresh fruit offers lighter refreshment with seasonal berries, melon, grapes, and citrus. Tangy sorbets in flavors like mango, raspberry, and lemon provide more decadent options.
While the choices may be limited compared to the full dessert menu, these gluten-free sweets provide satisfying ways to finish your dining experience.
Gluten-Free Menu Notes
When dining at Coopers Hawk, take note of these tips for ordering gluten-free:
- Inform your server you need gluten-free options.
- Specify that you need to order from the gluten-free menu.
- Request gluten-free bread or rolls if desired.
- Ask about preparation if uncertain about a menu item.
- Look for the GF designation on items.
- Request sauces and dressings be served on the side.
- Check if unfamiliar ingredients are gluten-free.
- Ask about possibly glutenous items like croutons and breadcrumbs.
Following these guidelines will help ensure your meal avoids gluten and potential contamination issues.
Is Coopers Hawk Celiac-Safe?
For those with celiac disease, safety when dining out is paramount. Consuming gluten can cause severe intestinal damage. So is Coopers Hawk safe for celiacs?
The restaurant states they aim to accommodate guests with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. However, they issue a disclaimer that the kitchen is not completely gluten-free. So there is a small risk of cross-contamination. They do not recommend the restaurant for guests with very high sensitivity.
Most Coopers Hawk locations schedule gluten-free nights monthly. On these nights, they take extra precautions like filtering fryer oil, washing down work areas, and only preparing gluten-free dishes. This provides added assurance for highly sensitive guests.
Overall, Coopers Hawk is reasonably safe for less sensitive gluten-free diners, especially on designated nights. But those with celiac disease or wheat allergies may want to exercise greater caution.
Gluten-Free Measures at Coopers Hawk
Here are some of the steps Coopers Hawk implements to be gluten-free-friendly:
- Staff training on preparing/serving gluten-free orders
- Gluten-free menu with marked items
- Protocols to avoid cross-contamination
- Sourcing gluten-free bread and rolls from vendors
- Oversight by gluten-free coordinator in each location
- Designated prep and cooking areas in kitchen
- Monthly gluten-free evenings at most locations
These measures help accommodate gluten-free diners to enjoy safe and tasty meals. There is still some risk in the shared kitchen, but precautions are taken seriously.
Should You Eat Gluten-Free Bread at Coopers Hawk?
Whether gluten-sensitive guests should consume the gluten-free bread depends on several factors:
Level of Sensitivity
People with celiac disease or wheat allergies need to be more cautious about possible contamination compared to those with gluten intolerance.
Individual Comfort Level
Guests have to weigh their personal comfort with the “shared kitchen” risk versus the protocols Coopers Hawk has in place.
Gluten-Free Designated Nights
Visiting on a GF night provides an extra level of assurance and reduces the risk.
Adherence to Processes
Coopers Hawk follows careful processes but there is dependence on human execution without errors.
Overall, the restaurant makes an effort to provide safe gluten-free dining. But those highly sensitive may want to take some extra precautions and verify processes with staff.
Rating Coopers Hawk for Gluten-Free
Here is how Coopers Hawk’s gluten-free accommodations generally rate on a scale of 1 to 5:
| Rating Factor | Rating |
|---|---|
| Staff Knowledge | 4/5 |
| Separate Gluten-Free Menu | 5/5 |
| Avoiding Cross-Contamination | 4/5 |
| Gluten-Free Bread Options | 5/5 |
| Overall Safety | 4/5 |
This breakdown indicates that Coopers Hawk provides very good gluten-free accommodations for most dining guests. Those with celiac disease or wheat allergies may want to exercise more caution.
Gluten-Free Chains Similar to Coopers Hawk
Coopers Hawk is part of a group of newer chain restaurants aiming to cater to the gluten-free crowd. Here are some other chains with extensive gluten-free menus and protocols:
- Seasons 52
- True Food Kitchen
- Bar Louie
- Maggiano’s Little Italy
- Cheesecake Factory
- Ruby Tuesday
- PF Chang’s
Like Coopers Hawk, these chains have specific gluten-free menus, training programs, and kitchen protocols to accommodate gluten-free diners. They aim to fill the gap in safe gluten-free dining options at chain restaurants.
The Verdict on Gluten-Free Bread at Coopers Hawk
In conclusion, here’s a summary on the gluten-free bread situation at Coopers Hawk:
- Coopers Hawk offers a gluten-free bread basket and dinner rolls for gluten-sensitive guests.
- The breads come from trusted gluten-free bakery vendors.
- Kitchen staff follow protocols to avoid cross-contamination.
- Those highly sensitive to gluten may still want to exercise caution.
- Coopers Hawk makes an effort to provide tasty and safe gluten-free dining.
So in general, gluten-free guests can enjoy bread with their meal at Coopers Hawk. The restaurant balances accommodating special diets with providing a quality dining experience. While potential for cross-contamination exists, the risk is relatively low for most gluten-free diners. Exercising some caution and verification of processes can add assurance for highly sensitive guests.
Overall, Coopers Hawk diners avoiding gluten for medical reasons can feel comfortable eating the restaurant’s gluten-free bread options. The bread tastes good and the protocols in place help ensure safety for gluten-sensitive guests. So the answer is yes, Coopers Hawk does offer gluten-free bread!
