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Pittsburgh, PA

Expansion of a gluten free bakery through equipment upgrades to boost production efficiency.

• Woman-owned leadership: Founded and led by Pittsburgh native Jill Pennetti.
• Rapid local traction: Products already stocked by multiple Pittsburgh coffee shops and featured in regional publications.
• Quality recognition: Holds numerous five star reviews praising flavor and freshness despite being gluten free.
• Strategic partnerships: Collaborated with local brands such as Millie’s Ice Cream on specialty offerings.
• Clear growth use: Funds earmarked for commercial equipment to increase capacity and reduce costs.
• Community focus: Plans to supply universities and hospitals with inclusive gluten free options.

The Forgotten Flour is seeking funding to outfit its new Bloomfield production space with commercial equipment that will allow the bakery to meet rising demand for its gluten free breads, pastries, and crusts. Proceeds will finance the purchase and installation of an industrial oven, refrigeration, storage and prep fixtures, ventilation, and related improvements, enabling the team to produce larger batches more efficiently and at lower unit cost. By upgrading its kitchen infrastructure, the bakery intends to shorten lead times, stabilize quality, and extend shelf life, positioning itself to supply additional cafés, markets, and institutional food-service partners.

Founded during the pandemic by Pittsburgh native Jill Pennetti, The Forgotten Flour has grown from home experiments for gluten-intolerant family members into a woman-owned brand carried by well regarded local coffee shops and featured in regional media. With the planned expansion in production capacity, the company expects to broaden distribution across the city and eventually become a trusted supplier for universities, hospitals, and neighborhood retailers that need flavorful, certified gluten free options. The investment supports a path toward sustainable, community-rooted growth while preserving the bakery’s commitment to craft, freshness, and inclusive hospitality.

Company Info

The Forgotten Flour is a Pittsburgh bakery that produces and wholesales gluten-free baked goods to local cafés and plans to expand into institutional markets.

The Forgotten Flour is a dedicated gluten-free bakery based in Pittsburgh’s Bloomfield neighborhood. Founded by local entrepreneur Jill Pennetti, the shop specializes in producing breads, pastries, cookies, and specialty crusts that are entirely free of wheat, barley, and rye. Pennetti began experimenting with gluten-free recipes during the pandemic to serve her mother and sister, both of whom are gluten-intolerant, and quickly refined techniques that preserve the structure and flavor normally lost when gluten is removed. Today, the bakery supplies popular Pittsburgh cafés such as Grim Wizard and The Garden Cafe and has developed products for collaborations, including the cookie crust in Millie’s Cookie Monster ice cream.

Production is organised to mimic a small commercial kitchen: dedicated ovens, separate refrigeration and strict cross-contamination protocols ensure every item remains safe for people with celiac disease while appealing to mainstream palates. The company rotates seasonal menus, updates classics like chocolate-chip cookies with alternative grains, and offers wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels from its storefront. Looking ahead, The Forgotten Flour aims to expand distribution across the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, targeting university dining halls, hospital cafeterias, and specialty grocers that require reliable gluten-free options. Its goal is to become the region’s first-choice supplier of high-quality, fresh gluten-free baked goods.