Javier Rodriguez
Sophie Werner
Taylor Burke
Arianna Flynn
Saint Joseph's University
David Steingard
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Jules Thin Crust identified the problem: there are not enough healthy food options that accommodate dietary restrictions. Their solution: healthy, locally-sourced, dietary restriction-friendly pizza options.
In order to meet the needs of their customers, Jules Thin Crust has created a special gluten-free crust. Jules Thin Crust collaborates with the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America in order to serve all of their customers' needs (including those with Celiac). All Jules Thin Crust locations are perfectly safe spaces for Celiac customers to go and enjoy a variety of pizza options!
Jules Thin Crust's innovation of catering to the needs of Celiac customers through their special gluten-free crust aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being. Through their local sourcing, Jules Thin Crust aligns with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Through their focus on the well-being of their employees with health benefits, mobility options, and a high retention rate, Jules Thin Crust also aligns with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Catering to all: Jules Thin Crust's innovative gluten-free crust
Saul Weinstein, the General Manager of Jules Thin Crust Ardmore, shares with us about the inspiration for Jules' innovative ingredients.
"Jules is committed to sourcing our ingredients locally (when in season), and from organic, family-run farms. Even our paper goods and kitchen equipment are purchased from local, domestic vendors."
In regards to their focus on catering to the needs of gluten-free customers, Saul explains more about their organic, gluten-free crust.
"Made from organic buckwheat, our crust is homemade and unique. Buckwheat is an earthy, delicious, and healthy grain that makes for a crisp pizza dough. We purchase the buckwheat flour from a local provider."
The short term effects of the innovation are happy customers, like Clarissa J. who comments "I have friends who are gluten-free, and we often go for the many [gluten-free] options. If you're gluten-free or not, come! Veggie-lover or meat-lover, Jules has something for you!!"
"There's thin crust pizza, then there's Jules Thin Crust pizza," comments Cody Y. "It's remarkable that they can have the crust so thin, yet crispy enough to hold the mountain of vegetarian/gluten free toppings."
The long term effects of the innovation are loyal, healthier customers and dedicated staff. Saul, the General Manager at Jules Thin Crust Ardmore is one of those dedicated staff members who truly loves what he does.
"I love working here. We empower each other, and while the job is demanding, it's always rewarding. We all hold each other accountable, we all support each other. There's a lot of love here."
Saul comments on the locally-sourced ingredients: "Fresher is better, local is better, especially in Pennsylvania."
Jules Thin Crust's organic and accommodating approach to pizza benefits their business by offering healthy, delicious options to customers. Jules Thin Crust East Coast Menu boasts a total of 19 vegetarian pizza options, gluten-free crust, and vegan substitutes such as Daiya vegan cheese, Beyond Meat vegan sausage & chicken. In California, Jules Thin Crust's menu also offers a variety of vegetarian pizza options (19) and their well-known gluten-free crust.
Jules Thin Crust aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being (https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg3). Jules Thin Crust highlights their commitment to serving the gluten-intolerant customer as stated on their, taken from their website:
"Jules Thin Crust collaborates with the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America to serve in the best possible way to Celiac customers. In 2011 GIG certified our gluten free dough and has determined it is therefore suitable for consumption by all gluten intolerant customers."
"Our GF Dough Ingredients: Buckwheat Flour* (PA locations), Brown Rice Flour (CA locations), Potato Starch, Tapiaco Starch, Xantham Gum, Navy Pea Flour, Ener-G Egg Replacer, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salt and Sugar." (http://julesthincrust.com/glutenfree)
Buckwheat flour is known to be a healthier option than regular flour. As stated on Jules Thin Crust's official website:
"The protein in Buckwheat contains the 8 essential amino acids, High in lysine, Rich in Vitamin B, as well as: magnesium, zinc, and copper. Lowers glucose levels, Lowers blood pressure and Reduces cholesterol." (http://julesthincrust.com/glutenfree)
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Saul Weinstein, Store Manager
Jules began out of a need to provide healthy, delicious food options to people with dietary restrictions. As stated on their website: “The Jules story was born out of a passion for good food, family and a love of community. John and Jan Ordway, finding a scarcity of restaurants to take their young girls, decided to open their own place" (Jules Thin Crust).
Jules serves communities in Pennsylvania (Ardmore, Doylestown, Jenkintown, Newtown, North Wales, Wayne), New Jersey (Princeton), and California (Oakland) through delicious menu options, a fun work environment for their employees, and a focus on locally-sourced ingredients.