Meet Tina Dorenbecker | Founder, Best of Dallas Gluten-Free Events

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tina Dorenbecker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I grew up in New York surrounded by incredible food and a strong sense of community at the table. Fast forward, I’ve now been gluten-free for nearly 15 years, and while the lifestyle has changed my health for the better, it hasn’t always been easy to find safe, delicious options when dining out. Even more than that, it was hard to find a community of people who “get it.”

That’s what inspired me to start Best of Dallas Gluten-Free Events. I wanted to create something that went beyond just sharing restaurant lists, I wanted to build real connections through curated foodie experiences. It’s about coming together with others dealing with the same issues and discovering new places, celebrating restaurants doing gluten-free right, and creating a community where people feel seen and celebrated.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets my work apart is that it’s not just about gluten-free food—it’s about creating experiences and community. I started Best of Dallas Gluten-Free Events because I know firsthand how isolating it can feel to have dietary restrictions. Dining out used to make me feel like the “problem child at the table,” and I wanted to change that for myself and others.

What began as a simple search for the best gluten-free pizza in Dallas has turned into something much bigger: a community where people feel connected and celebrated. I host events that bring people together around food, but what really keeps people coming back are the friendships and sense of belonging that grow from those tables.

It hasn’t always been easy to find restaurants that can host larger events for us. But those challenges have created opportunities. Each time a restaurant takes the time to learn what our community needs and creates gluten-free dining experiences that are memorable, it goes a long way. We know it takes extra effort, and we deeply appreciate the restaurants who step up and partner with us.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that community is everything. Food might be the reason people show up, but connection is why they stay. I want the world to know that gluten-free doesn’t have to mean missing out—it can mean discovering new flavors, new friends, and a new sense of normal.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh my — we would have the ultimate foodie itinerary exploring the city! We’d kick things off at the Dallas Arboretum for a beautiful walk and views, then head up to Reunion Tower and end the night with drinks and dessert at Crown Block overlooking the skyline.

For food, we’d do it right: Pizzana for pizza in Dallas, Yardbird for that unforgettable Southern brunch, Kenny’s Italian for pasta and classics, and The Charles for an elevated dinner with major wow factor. I’d also take them to Downtown Rockwall to stroll the square and enjoy dinner at Zanata, one of my absolute favorites, and my most recent find, Flamant in Plano. And if the timing lined up, we’d hope to catch Love Life and Pizza at one of her pop-ups — she’s a must-try.

We’d explore some local character too: McKinney for small-town charm and great GF-friendly spots, Greenville Avenue for that laid-back, eclectic Dallas vibe, and Uptown / Bishop Arts District for boutiques, murals, and a creative energy you won’t find in the chains. For a newer destination, Hall Park and Kaleidoscope Park in Frisco are perfect for art, outdoor events, and people-watching.

And of course, no trip would be complete without time at the lake — whether it’s a walk around White Rock Lake or catching the sunset at Lake Ray Hubbard after dinner in Rockwall.

To wrap it all up, we’d have to finish on a sweet note — with stops at some great local gluten-free bakeries, and a gluten-free waffle cone from Local Creamery. Because a trip to Dallas isn’t complete without dessert!

Website: https://linktr.ee/bestofdallasgf

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestofdallasgf/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/551520531164660

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