Our Story

Wheat’s End is a dedicated gluten-free cafe located in East Lakeview, Chicago. In 2007, Lina Elakhaoui, a dear friend of co-owners Susan McMillan and Amelia Fonti was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Soon after, Amelia learned that she, too, was gluten intolerant. So they got to work creating gluten-free versions of traditional baked goods for Lina’s Lebanese restaurant. Then, when Lina’s husband died unexpectedly and Amelia and Susan took over the running of her Lebanese restaurant, they became aware of Chicago’s growing unmet need for a place where celiac sufferers could safely go for gluten-free food that did not compromise on taste, texture or nutrition.

In 2012, Susan and Amelia opened Senza, a celiac-safe fine dining tasting restaurant. It did not take long for young chef Noah Sandoval to earn Senza the world’s first Michelin Star ever granted to a gluten-free restaurant in 2013 and AGAIN in 2014. By January of 2013, they opened Wheat's End Artisan Foods, a 100% dedicated gluten-free bakery in the Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago. The bakery provided delicious and nutrient-rich gluten-free bread, bagels, rolls, pizza crusts, and more to Senza and a wide variety of hotels, restaurants, retail stores, and online customers. 

In 2015, Susan and her team decided to convert Senza into Wheat’s End Café, a 100% gluten-free full-service daytime restaurant. Since then, Meni Mizrahi, the general manager, has created a friendly haven where European Cafe meets Classic American Brunch - providing gluten-intolerant clientele with a delicious selection of breakfast, lunch and brunch dishes, fine coffee, and a case full of baked goods to take home. Coming full circle, their Lebanese celiac friend. Today, the bakery provides proprietary baked goods exclusively to the cafe.

Wheat’s End Café strives to provide food that is truly nutritious and surprisingly Gluten-Free in a comfortable space where sufferers from celiac disease and gluten sensitivities can enjoy a memorable meal in the company of family and friends. We care about our customers, gluten-free or not, and our aim is to make your meal with us an unforgettable one. So come on in and join the family!