There is a new place to get gluten free and vegan desserts on the North Fork. Gluten Free Sweets ‘n’ Treats opened last week in the Shoppes at East Wind in Wading River.
All of the small batch treats are gluten free and handmade by owner Laura Bilello, who launched the business four years ago after she and her son, Louis, were diagnosed with celiac disease.
“It started with a need for good-tasting, gluten free desserts,” Bilello said. “I started experimenting at home and, I am an accountant by trade, I had a lot of clients in the city. During the holidays I would bring them in cookie trays and baskets of things I made. Everyone loved it. I knew we had something special.”
The Brookhaven resident sold her line of Gluten Free Sweets ‘n’ Treats at local farmers markets and at small boutiques throughout Suffolk County until deciding it was time to get her own storefront. Bilello, and her husband Dave, were hunting for the perfect location for about a year before finding the space at East Wind, which is home to several other specialty shops.
“It is a real community here,” she said. “Everyone is so supportive.”
Bilello bakes the desserts in small batches — including a variety of flourless cakes, brownies and cookies as well as gluten-free vegan options — at the Stony Brook University Incubator at Calverton and delivers them fresh to the Wading River shop. Gluten Free Sweets ‘n’ Treats will also offer seasonally inspired and holiday-themed selections throughout the year.
“I know we’re only going to grow,” Bilello said. “I love seeing how happy people are to have a good-tasting, sweet treat and know that it is not going to hurt them.”
The shop also sells items from its sister company, Naturally Long Island, which Bilello founded in June. The brand uses organic and natural materials to create body butter, exfoliating sugar scrubs, bar soaps, bath bombs and more. The line also includes organic pet care products.
“I love creating things that make people feel good,” she said. “We make everything we sell in our store. We have new products all the time.”
The shop is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Gluten Free Sweets ‘n’ Treats is located at 5768 Route 25A, Suite V2, at the Shoppes at East Wind in Wading River.
