Pre-ordering a special event cake, I understand that - but having to pre-order basic items like bread and pizza crust? Makes no sense to me. I’d think they’d have these on hand all the time (whether fresh or frozen), but customers are required to call in advance to order. My guess is either they sell them too infrequently (which I’d expect, given the pre-order requirement) or they sell them all to the local co-ops and have none left for in-store sales.

I’ve actually tried talking with several different staff members, including the owner, on multiple occasions, but I got the impression that they were so focused on production for the local co-ops who stock their baked goods that my vist and purchase was viewed as an interruption. Any requests for nutritional information have been answered with a pat “it’s all gluten free” reply in a rather defensive tone, as if they were worried I was going for their trade secrets. No ma’am - just wanting to make sure I can eat what I buy without getting sick.

Maybe counter service isn’t their thing, and that’s OK - but then they might want to re-think their options in the gluten-free market - maybe direct sales just isn’t where it’s at for them.

Trust me - if I get great product and great service, I am a customer for life and will be the first to tell everybody, especially when it comes to independently owned businesses. In the case of Bittersweet Bakery, it is bittersweet indeed that I cannot recommend them to my gluten-free friends, many of whom have told me the same thing: skip Bittersweet and make the drive across the river to St Paul to COOQI, where you’re greeted with a smile, great samples, and some of the best gluten-free baked goods you’ll ever taste.

I would like to try other items from them sometime. I have heard their sandwhich bread is excellent. My only gripe so far is there is no nutritional information available. I am trying to lose weight so this would be really helpful to me. The guy behind the counter said they had it but it was misplaced.

Remember if you plan on buying bread to call ahead. You can sometimes get their sandwich bread without reserving it, but the others need to be ordered in advance.