(WVLT) - A West Knoxville pizza place is now offering pizza to the increasing number of people who have an intolerance to gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

Roman's Pizza on North Seven Oaks Drive served up their first slices of new york style, hand made, gluten-free pizza over the weekend.

Roman's owners decided to start working on the perfect recipe several months back after realizing just how many people could never a visit to a pizza parlor because of having an auto immune disorder called Celiac Disease.

Members of Knoxville's celiac support group met for the first bites and say the community has no idea what a huge step this is.

"The pizza is really good, it's really nice to be able to go out and eat gluten-free for the first time in two and a half years," said Dan Alton, chairman of the Gluten Free Support Group.

Alton's daughter, Lauren, has Celiac Disease and is pretty happy to be able to have pizza again.

"I haven't had pizza in a really long time at a restaurant," Lauren says.

There is plenty of information on Celiac Disease on our website, here are some links for more information:
Celiac Disease Diagnosis
Celiac Disease Treatment
Celiac Disease and Symptoms
Guide to Dining Out with Celiac Disease
Tips for Cooking with Celiac Disease
Gluten-Free Cooking
Living with Celiac Disease Part 1
Living with Celiac Disease Part 2
Stacy's Story