A Gluten Free Podcast

Founder of Sonny’s Food, Sonny Wells: The World's First Gluten Free Fast Food Chain

Ben Hampton Season 1 Episode 188

A Gluten Free Podcast 

Episode 188

What if fast food could be 100% gluten free, safe for coeliacs, nut-free, and with dairy-free options too? That dream is becoming reality thanks to Sonny Wells, founder of Sonny’s Food, the UK-based startup gaining global attention — from the coeliac community and business leaders like Richard Branson, Simon Squibb, and Steven Bartlett.

In this episode, Sonny shares how his coeliac diagnosis over a decade ago led to a bold mission: to create a fully coeliac-safe fast food chain that makes gluten free dining fast, easy, and safe — without compromise. We talk about his personal journey, the challenges of being a male in the gluten free space, and how the idea for Sonny’s Food came to life.

🔍 In This Episode:

🌟 The Mission Behind Sonny’s Food

  • What makes Sonny’s 100% coeliac-safe, nut-free & dairy-free adaptable
  • Why it’s more than just a business — it’s a movement

📖 Coeliac Life & Diagnosis

  • Sonny’s diagnosis story and life as a gluten free male
  • Social impacts, stigma, and staying visible in the community

🇬🇧 Gluten Free in the UK

  • Navigating food subsidies, postcode lotteries, and Coeliac UK’s support
  • Is 13% of the UK gluten free?

🍔 Building the Brand

  • The inspiration behind Sonny’s
  • Menu plans, Coeliac UK accreditation, and price comparisons

🚀 Starting Up

  • Fundraising, startup growth, and high-profile support
  • Winning Simon Squibb’s pitch, meeting Richard Branson, and running into Steven Bartlett

💬 Community & Global Response

  • Support from the coeliac community and beyond
  • Could Sonny’s expand globally — even to Australia?

💡 One Chat That Changed Everything

  • A moment that reminded Sonny why he started this journey

👏 Why It Matters:

If you’ve ever felt unsafe eating out, been glutened at a restaurant, or longed for more convenient options — this episode is for you. Sonny’s taking a personal struggle and turning it into a solution the whole community can benefit from.

🔗 Connect With Sonny’s Food:

Instagram: @sonnysfood

TikTok: @sonnysfood

Website: www.sonnysfood.com (Coming soon)

Email: investment@sonnysfood.com

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised support.

MEET UP TIME!

We've teamed up with Amelia of Social Coeliac Sydney to bring you a meetup at the Sydney Gluten Free Expo on Saturday 16th August. Looking forward to seeing you there gluten free fam.

Follow Social Coeliac Sydney on Instagram 

Meet up details for Sydney Gluten Free Expo