By Molly Given

Since its opening, Flakely has been changing the game for gluten-free baked goods. And now, the beloved brand is expanding even more—after four years of operating in an industrial production kitchen with a take-out window, Flakely is finally graduating to a full-fledged brick-and-mortar establishment.

The original concept comes from pastry chef Lila Colello, and as a release notes, the local spot was created out of necessity for its owner. Without much of a gluten-free industry to speak of at the time, Colello, who was unable to work within her medium due to being diagnosed with celiac disease, took her training, developed recipes, taught herself food science, and discovered how to produce different baked goods without gluten.

Her diagnosis came after she spent time training at the French Culinary Institute in New York City and worked under Wolfgang Puck, Eric Ripert, and Stephen Starr in 2010. The pastry chef then spent years developing recipes and opened up Flakely in 2021 — where it remains to this day inside the pink door at 220 Krams Avenue in Manayunk. Upon opening, Colello joined a small list of bakeries in the world specializing in gluten-free croissants, French-style breads, bagels, and other pastries.

The idea then grew into a pastry vending machine, or an “ATM” as it’s branded, which allowed Flakely to grow in different locations around Philadelphia and the suburbs. Customers can tap their credit card and open the door. Once inside, they can grab what they’d like, and with each item being tagged with a microchip, any product that leaves the freezer will be charged to the customer.

There are some changes on that front in 2026: The Ardmore pastry ATM within Free Will Collective is moving to Lucky’s Trading Co. in Roxborough, and the South Philly pastry ATM is moving from Irv’s Ice Cream to Reap Wellness in Fishtown. The Ambler pastry ATM, located within Weaver’s Way, as well as the Collingswood ATM within Haddon Culinary, will both remain in their current locations.

But for those who want to check out the new brick and mortar location (at 1007 W. Lancaster Ave. in Bryn Mawr), patrons will be able to find freshly-baked, ready-to-eat items on top of Flakely’s typical frozen breads and pastries. Delivery will soon be available on DoorDash and nationally from its site. So, there will be a little something for everyone.

The brick and mortar location is set to open in the beginning of February. Hours will be Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In the future, locals can also look for gluten-free baking collaborations, classes, pop-up dinners, and more in the new space.

To learn more information on Flakely, visit flakelygf.com