New gluten-free pasta shop and deli now open in Geneva

Folks who are looking to avoid gluten and other food allergens now have an option for delicious pasta and other dishes in downtown Geneva.

Ugly Noodle opened in what used to be Hahn’s Bakery on the corner of Franklin and Third streets in early December. It’s a dedicated gluten-free deli and pasta shop, with everything made at the Geneva location.

Gluten-free menu items include a variety pastas like spaghetti, ravioli, mac and cheese, lasagna, Kluski dumplings and gnocchi, as well as chicken, meatball, Italian, burrata sandwiches and more.

The menu also has vegan, dairy-free and soy-free options.

Owner Lauren Serviss, a 2008 graduate of Geneva High School, said that the food is bronze drawn rice-based pasta and handmade ravioli that “you can absolutely fool people into believing it’s ‘regular,’” she said.

“I found out that I am gluten sensitive in 2020 and when I couldn’t find any delicious gluten-free pastas, I started to make my own. Our shop also sells a variety of American and Italian made gluten-free grocery items and merch,” she said.

Grocery items include pastas, sauce kits, pre-made sauces, cooking oils, cake mixes, pancake mixes, cookies, crackers and more. Non-food items include pasta making utensils, t-shirts, tote bags and more.

Helping others is also very important to Serviss. She works with The Love Fridge in Chicago to distribute free allergen-friendly pasta to the community, as well as with Neighborhood Food Pantry in the Fox Valley.

“I lived in a food dessert on EBT when I was in my 20’s and spreading awareness about food insecurity is something I’m very passionate about,” she said.

Ugly Noodle is located at 303 Franklin St., Geneva. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, visit uglynood.com.