Name of business: It’s Gluten Free

Type of business: Gluten free and organic specialty store

Location: 2911 N. Tegner Rd., next to Costco

Hours of operation: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Contact info: 668-3005, itsglutenfreestore@gmail.com, www.itsglutenfreestore.com

History of business: After being diagnosed with celiac disease – an autoimmune disease caused by a reaction to gluten protein – Jackie Borges had a hard time locating gluten-free foods in Turlock.

So 16 months ago Borges and her husband, Mike Borges, opened a specialty store, offering the widest selection of gluten-free foods in town.

“It makes it easier for people who have allergies,” Jackie Borges said.

And the number of people diagnosed with celiac disease is growing sharply, according to a National Institute of Health report. Between 1 in 105 and 1 in 1,750 Americans are estimated to have the disease, the NIH says.

Business specialty: Gluten-free isn’t just the store’s name – it’s on the store’s shelves. Only about five stocked products contain gluten, Jackie Borges said.

The business’ narrow focus allows it to carry more brands than big chains offer, giving shoppers a larger variety. The small, family-owned business is also able to adapt to consumer demand, and will frequently place special orders upon customers’ requests.