Alison Collins never set out to open a bakery, let alone one that would become a destination for vegan and gluten-free food in Spokane. While working behind the bar at Mizuna, where she became known for her creative cocktails, Collins began making vegan desserts for the restaurant’s menu. Soon, customers were coming back for treats they couldn’t find anywhere else in town. What started as a few desserts grew beyond her home kitchen, and with support from friends, loyal customers and community members, Boots Bakery & Lounge opened downtown in 2012. She originally imagined Boots as a small café serving pastries, a few vegan dishes and cocktails. But demand reshaped the business into a fully gluten-free, vegan gathering place built around food, connection and community.
INLANDER: Why do you think it’s important that a place like Boots exists in Spokane?
COLLINS: When I made the choice to start eating vegan, you couldn’t just go to a bakery and get a vegan cookie. People come in and some of them cry because they can literally order anything off our menu without worrying. That’s just not a luxury people with dietary restrictions have…