Purdue Allergen-Free Dining: New Restaurant Details | Campus

KNOW Eatery Brings Allergen-Free Dining to Purdue university Students

Purdue University students now have a dedicated space for safe and inclusive dining with the opening of KNOW Eatery in the Purdue Memorial Union. The family-owned restaurant, founded in 2024, caters to a wide range of dietary needs, offering options free of the top nine most common food allergens and vegan choices.

On a campus as diverse as purdue’s, food allergies are almost unavoidable, and historically, finding safe dining options has been a challenge. KNOW Eatery aims to change that. Co-owner Heather Kannal explained the impetus behind the buisness,stating,”I have celiac and a whole bunch of food allergies (and) so does one of my kids,and then the other kids have celiac,and one is vegan. So…our family has a really arduous time eating out.” This personal experience fueled their desire to create a welcoming space for everyone.

Did you know? – The “top nine” allergens are milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame. KNOW Eatery carefully avoids these ingredients in its food preparation.

KNOW Eatery first established itself as a popular vendor at the Purdue farmers’ market before transitioning to a permanent location within the Purdue Memorial Union this week. The restaurant’s commitment to inclusivity extends to rigorous safety protocols. According to Brandi Collins, the director of operations for Purdue food Co., KNOW Eatery maintains its allergen-free status by washing dishes separately, meticulously cleaning surfaces, and avoiding cross-contamination with equipment.All to-go orders are also double-bagged as an added precaution.

The new eatery isn’t just for those with dietary restrictions. “KNOW Eatery had an amazing chickpea salad at the farmer’s market,” Collins noted. “That’s what sparked the conversation to bring them (to the PMU), as it really was tasty. The allergy-amiable is just a bonus.”

pro tip – When dining with allergies, always communicate your needs clearly to restaurant staff. KNOW Eatery’s staff is trained to handle allergen requests, but clear dialog is key.

Emma Henning, the marketing manager for Purdue Food Co., emphasized the significance of KNOW Eatery’s presence on campus. “There’s a high percentage of (Purdue) students, faculty, and staff who have allergies and having a place on campus that omits the top nine is great,” she said. “It gives students that safety and security of going to a location and being able to eat freely.”

KNOW Eatery boasts a diverse menu, ranging from walking tacos to smoothies and cinnamon rolls, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Kannal expressed her hope that students will recognize the quality of the food regardless of their dietary needs. “I hope (students) realize that this is great food, whether you have restrictions or not,” she said. “I hope thay find out about us so they have more options.”

Kannal shared that the most rewarding aspect of working in the Union has been witnessing the positive reactions from students and staff when they discover the menu accommodates their needs. “I love being on the purdue campus and seeing the faces of everybody,” she said. “Whether they have allergies or not, whether they’re vegan or not, (we get to provide) options that they didn’t have before.”

Reader question – What other types of inclusive dining options would you like to see on Purdue’s campus? Share your thoughts!

KNOW Eatery is currently open in the Purdue Memorial Union.