Coffee & Conversation

Aspasia Coffee and Bake Shop is a Welcome Local Addition for Gluten-Free Customers

Writer / Julie Yates
Photographer Krystal Dailey

Aspasia Coffee and Bake Shop, located at 3091 US 421 North, is a dedicated gluten-free coffee and bake shop. It’s not just a bakery offering a few gluten-free options; it has a menu that encompasses breakfast, lunch and dinner. Everything served is delicious and if someone didn’t know before hand, they would be unable to detect that the sweets and savories sold are completely gluten-free.

When owners Eva and Jeff Tomlinson opened Aspasia Coffee and Bake Shop, they envisioned a place where people could comfortably visit with each other and share conversation. The shop is named after Aspasia, a woman who lived during the golden age of Athens. She was influential in Greek culture, especially in matters of government and politics. Her significant other was Pericles and she hosted people such as Socrates and Plato who would gather to debate and talk.

“We started looking for the perfect retail location in October 2020 and found it at the 146^th & 421 location.  The area is severely lacking in amenities for surrounding residents, and the traffic flow is advantageous. We began negotiations for the space in January 2021 and started our internal buildout in June 2022. The landlord provided a shell and our general contractor built out my vision,” Eva Tomlinson says.

“We have taken advantage of the building height to integrate an upper level in the space, and incorporated a semi-private event area for special events. Bible studies, birthday parties and other meetings can be held in the event room for a nominal $100 an hour food and beverage fee, not including alcohol. We also host special events such as cake and cupcake decorating demonstrations and rent out the upper level and the entire space for parties, receptions, celebrations of life, etc.” Tomlinson says.

Outside of the building there is a patio with outdoor furniture and a firepit. When weather allows, it’s a cozy spot to enjoy a charcuterie board with wine, beer or coffee. Flights of wine and beer are available, and pairings are suggested to enhance everything served. Think noshing on a chocolate cupcake while having a glass of port wine.

The drive-through window opens at 6:00 a.m., but for those not in a hurry, the inside space is open until 7:00 p.m., Monday thru Saturday. Customers enjoy lingering over cups of espresso coffee drinks made from beans supplied by the local Julian Coffee Roasters.  To accompany both hot or iced teas and coffees or nitro cold brews, customers opt for the popular cinnamon rolls, raspberry crumble bars, coffee cake, and many other scrumptious baked goods.

During the day, for lunch or an early dinner, the eatery has several choices. Warming soups such as roasted tomato basil, hearty chili, and potato are crowd pleasers. Also available are flat breads, salads, and pita with either classic or red pepper hummus.  Customers can buy various baked goods to take home such as rolls and sandwich bread. Bagels and croissants are currently being developed and will be sold soon.

Aspasia is a safe spot for those who have celiac disease. Almost everything except cookies are produced at the shop’s production facility located at 9830 North Michigan Road. In addition, a wide assortment of dairy and nut free options are available and items such as dairy-free key lime pie and dairy-free cheesecake can be special ordered. Customers can go online and purchase goods to be shipped nationwide.

“I worked in trade compliance for 25 years, 17 of which I had my own business. When I sold it, I decided to do something fun. I’m gluten intolerant and that was the inspiration behind this bake shop. Through a lot of trial and error I developed the recipes and blended the flour myself. I pulled from several family recipes and did hours of research,” Tomlinson says.

“Since we have been open, the reception from the local and extended community has been wonderful. Customers can drive thru, dine in, walk in and carry out, or order online for pick up or delivery. We are happy to help the local community; if someone needs a gallon of milk to take home and they don’t want to make a separate stop, we are glad to sell it to them” she says.

Aspasia Coffee and Bake Shop is located at 3091 US 421 North and the phone number is 317-344-2169. Visit aspasiabakeshop.com for more information and to order online.

Additionally, Aspasia Production Kitchen is located at 9830 North Michigan Road and their phone number is 317-663-4538.