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I sent the following letter to BJ's brewhouse and have not received a  
response.  If I do, I will share it with the list.

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I am writing to inform you of a very disappointing experience at BJ's  
in Norman Oklahoma tonight.  I have celiac disease, a disorder that  
affects an estimated 1 in 100 Americans.  This means that I cannot  
process gluten, the protein found in wheat, rye or barley.

I am an experienced celiac and used to ascertaining the status of  
several menu items so I can find one that will not make me ill.  I  
asked my waitress to check with the kitchen about the gluten-free  
status of several items on the menu. She reassured me that the salmon  
was gluten-free and I ordered the salmon dinner.  When the rice pilaf  
came with the salmon, I noticed that it had smaller pieces of  
something that looked like orzo in it.  Since this is a form of pasta  
(and wheat), I asked if she could check with the kitchen about what  
was in the rice.

The manager appeared instead and proceeded to tell me "People with  
allergies shouldn't eat here.  This is comfort food and I can't tell  
you what is in it.  The ingredients are a trade secret and I can't  
guarantee anything.  It is corporate policy not to encourage anyone  
with allergies to eat here."

Before choosing BJ's as a possible restaurant for our group tonight,  
I examined your website and discovered that you are "working on" a  
gluten-free menu.  Clearly you have not educated your managers on  
this aspect.  I cannot believe it truly is corporate policy to not  
allow anyone with allergies to eat at your restaurants.  I certainly  
will not be returning and I will be sharing both this letter and your  
response with the international celiac mailing list.

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