Lola Forbes and Chris Szydlowski, Spooky’s Swirls

Chefs/Owners –– Chandler, Arizona

Just in time for spooky season, we're spotlighting Spooky's Swirls, a 100% gluten-free bakery and sci-fi/horror prop museum in Chandler, Arizona. We talked with Chef/Owner Lola Forbes about how the concept came together, the treat that took the longest to perfect, and what newly diagnosed customers say when they walk through the door.

Spooky's Swirls blends a full sci-fi/horror prop museum with a gluten-free bakery, that's a pretty unusual combination. How did that concept come together?

We built our dream business with all the niche things that make us happy and that we wanted to share. The result is a family friendly inclusive spot where we get to have a real impact on the community.

For someone visiting for the first time, what's one item on the menu you'd tell them not to miss?

There are so many, but of course I'm partial. Don't miss the Susperia cupcake or The Peanut Butter Solution.

Running a 100% gluten-free bakery means every recipe has to work without the shortcuts wheat flour gives you. What's been the most challenging item to perfect?

I love science and that helps a lot! We have been obsessed here not with making good gluten free food...instead making Gluten Free So Good It's Scary! We create and make every recipe from scratch and even make our own flour blend. Recently our fried apple fritters finally made it onto the menu, as frying and getting a crispy product took us a long time to figure out. They are a huge hit!

What do you hear most often from customers who are newly diagnosed with celiac disease when they discover a place like yours?

We have some genuinely incredible interactions with our customers who are newly diagnosed. Many are completely new to the gluten free world or know enough to know it is hard to find delicious and safe options. The number one question we get when people walk in is, "what's gluten free". When the answer is EVERYTHING, most can't believe it.

What's next for Spooky's Swirls, any new treats, props, or expansions on the horizon?

We are currently resetting our prop museum for spooky season with some new features. We are also doing a collaboration with a haunted house to make a cupcake of their new highlight character. And we just heard we are ranked Number Four in USAToday's 10Best Gluten Free Bakeries in America!

Visit Spooky's Swirls

If you're in the Chandler area this fall, stop in for a cupcake and a look around the museum. Follow along at @spookysswirls for new treats and seasonal updates.

At NIMA, we believe no one should sit out because of what's on their plate. Places like Spooky's Swirls make that easier, one fritter at a time.