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Restaurant helps boy with food allergies

March 3rd, 2011

BY ERIN NEGLEY
Reading Eagle

Matthew Boyer’s allergies to eggs, milk, nuts, sesame and shellfish keep his parents guessing when they go out to eat.

Brad and Stef Boyer of Maidencreek Township usually have to bring food along for their 7-year-old son in case a restaurant can’t accommodate his restricted diet.

The Boyers were pleasantly surprised when the staff at Red Robin in Exeter Township took time to understand Matthew’s allergies and pick out foods he could eat. They said the staff has been helpful in meeting his needs.

When the family goes to the restaurant in Exeter Commons, Alex gets his special meal — a plain hamburger, no bun, with french fries.

He especially likes the french fries, which he can’t always have at other places because of his allergies.

Red Robin has separate fryers for french fries, fish products and chicken products because some patrons have allergies, explained Laura Durn, manager of the Exeter site.

Matthew even made up a little ditty about his experience: “Red Robin, so good to eat. Not fast food, good food. At Red Robin.”

About a month ago at the Exeter restaurant, Matthew’s parents encouraged him to sing the song for the manager, and the performance caught the attention of executives.

“When we heard about Matthew, we had to do something,” said Erika L. Cataldi, a marketing representative for Red Robin.

Recently, the chain’s mascot, a robin named Red, surprised Matthew and his second-grade class with a visit to Fleetwood’s Willow Creek Elementary. Matthew posed for pictures with Red and gave the mascot a big hug before going back to his spelling lesson.

Contact Erin Negley: 610-371-5047 or enegley@readingeagle.com.

Article Source: Reading Eagle (http://readingeagle.com/)