To the Editor:
I read with interest your article in the on the opening of Not Your Average Joe's at Reston Spectrum (Reston Connection, Jan. 6-12, 2016). My family of 7 (children ages 2-12) had an extremely positive experience at their soft opening this past weekend. In addition to the many positive attributes you mentioned in your article, I would like to point out how extremely accommodating the staff is to guests with food sensitivities and allergies.
This past fall my 11-year-old was diagnosed with Celiac, an autoimmune disease that requires her to be on a completely gluten-free diet. Despite having 5 children, we have never had to deal with concerns related to food sensitivities or allergies before and we are navigating new territory.
The staff at Not Your Average Joe's went above and beyond to make sure my daughter was well-cared-for while dining there. They were well-trained in food sensitivities, had a gluten free menu readily available, and informed us they had a "scratch kitchen" so would do their best to accommodate her if there was something on the menu they could make gluten-free. They even had gluten-free bread and brought out her own dipping sauce pre-meal. The manager stopped by our table to make sure her needs were being met and to deliver her food personally.
We appreciate the entire staff's efforts to make this a nice family experience and their efforts to go above and beyond to make sure everyone was treated exceptionally well. Our whole family had a great experience there and plans to frequent this place.
It is refreshing to find a restaurant so dedicated to the comfort and happiness of each guest.
Tara Xeller
Reston