Questions? We've got answers.
We know choosing where to eat involves questions especially about allergens, ingredients, and what to expect. We've gathered common questions here, but if yours isn't listed, just ask. We'd rather answer your question directly than have you wondering.
Looking for hours, location, or menu details? Visit our Contact page or Menu page.
Can't find what you need? Contact us.
Yes, with transparency about our limitations. We offer gluten-free options and some nut-free items, and our staff is trained to discuss ingredients and preparation methods with you. However, we're not a dedicated allergen-free facility, so cross-contamination is possible. We use pumpkin seeds (toasted or candied) instead of nuts in some recipes to reduce contamination risk where we can. But because we do use nuts, dairy, eggs, soy, and wheat in our kitchen, we can't guarantee zero cross-contamination. If you have severe allergies, please speak with our staff before ordering. We'll be honest about what we can safely prepare for you and what carries risk. We'd rather help you make a safe choice than have you take a chance.
No, we cannot guarantee our gluten-free items are safe for celiac disease. While we offer gluten-free baked goods, our kitchen is not a dedicated gluten-free facility. Cross-contamination with wheat flour and other gluten-containing ingredients is possible. Our gluten-free options work well for people with gluten sensitivity or those choosing to reduce gluten intake, but if you have celiac disease, we recommend caution. Please discuss your specific needs with our staff.
We have some items made without nuts, but we cannot guarantee they're completely nut-free. Our kitchen uses almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and pecans in many products, and cross-contamination can occur through shared equipment, workspace, and airborne particles. We're happy to tell you which items are made without nuts and what precautions we take, but we cannot promise zero nut exposure. If you have a severe nut allergy, please discuss the risks with our staff before ordering.
Yes, we have some vegan items on our menu. However, Alder is not an exclusively vegan establishment—we use dairy, eggs, and other animal byproducts in many of our baked goods and dishes. Our staff can tell you which current items are vegan and help you find options that work for your dietary preferences.
Absolutely. Our staff can discuss ingredients and preparation methods for any menu item. If you have concerns about specific ingredients or allergens, just ask—we're happy to walk you through what's in each dish and how it's prepared.
Online ordering is coming soon!
You're welcome to use third-party delivery services as available, but we don't directly provide delivery at this time.
Yes there is wifi available. It is a password secured network.
We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Please note: there is a 3% card processing fee to customers who pay by card.
Generally, yes. However, on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) or holidays we may feature special higher-priced items. Our core menu items maintain consistent pricing.
Alder is owned and operated by Miguel and Kirsten Calderon. Miguel is a chef with Michelin Star kitchen experience who has run Calderon Dining (a private chef service) for years. Kirsten brings her artistic perspective and business partnership to everything we create. Together, we built Alder on a foundation of genuine hospitality.
Learn more about our storyHospitality with great food. We're not just selling coffee and pastries. We're creating a space where everyone feels genuinely welcome, valued, and comfortable. That hospitality-first approach, combined with quality food from a Michelin-trained chef, makes Alder unique in Chester.
Read about our missionWe close two days a week to ensure our team (and owners) can maintain the quality and hospitality standards we're committed to. As we grow our team and create systems that don't require the owner's presence every day, we may expand our hours.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help. If your question isn't answered above, please don't hesitate to reach out:
We'd rather answer your specific question directly than have you wondering. That's part of our commitment to hospitality.