For Immediate Release
12 August 2020
Contact:
Kerri Green
(607) 334-1404
kgreen@chenangony.org
Development
Chenango Corporation Provides Support to Local Entrepreneur
Traveling
Restaurant Concept Moves Forward
The Development Chenango
Corporation (DCC), the Economic Development arm of Chenango County and part of Commerce
Chenango, Inc. recently provided funding to Erin Shapley-Blenis to build and
outfit a food truck under the name of GRATEFUL GRUB.
DCC Executive Director and Commerce Chenango President & CEO, Kerri Green said, “Development Chenango Corporation is excited to support innovation and entrepreneurship for people like Erin and for business ideas such as Grateful Grub Food Truck. This is an example of taking an idea, watching it grow, developing a following and then taking that concept to the next level with a new business venture. Chenango County supports initiatives such as this, and the Business Assistance Loan Fund (BALF) is designed to invest in our county and our business community. We look forward to next spring, and the launch of Grateful Grub Food Truck.”
Walter Scott set up the first
food stand in 1872 when he decided to capitalize on hardworking, hurried
journalists. He cut windows into a covered wagon and parked it in front of a
local newspaper office in Providence, R.I. and sold pie and coffee. Food trucks
have grown in popularity since the 2008 recession and are as much of a
restaurant concept as family-style dining or fast food. Given the low cost,
many would-be restaurateurs opt to open food truck businesses, which are regarded
as respectable venues for starting a career in the food business.
Food truck owner Erin Shapley-Blenis is ready to take on the traveling restaurant concept, touting the name GRATEFUL GRUB. Some may know Erin from her affiliation with the Hidden Springs Brewhouse in Norwich. GRATEFUL GRUB will be a gourmet burger and sandwich food truck that will be ready to serve the community in the spring of 2021. She hopes to add a wood fire pizza oven to the equipment she will purchase with the BALF loan. “It is our hope as a family business to provide a unique eatery with the loan the DCC provided.” ‘Be GRATEFUL and GRUB on’ is Erin’s mantra. She lives in Norwich with her wife Jessica Shapley-Blenis and her son Finn Shapley-Blenis.
A new loan opportunity for
Chenango County businesses needing financial help amid the COVID-19 pandemic is
also available. The loan funds, with a maximum amount of $25,000 per project,
can be used to reopen your business, hire back employees, replenish your inventory,
or for working capital. To apply for this funding or a BALF loan, call Kerri at
607.334.1400 for more information on the criteria required.
Development Chenango Corporation (DCC) is a 501(c)(3) partner organization of Commerce Chenango. Established as a local development corporation and public authority, which is Chenango County’s contract agency for economic development, it supports the economic development needs of Chenango County by providing area businesses with the resources they need to grow.
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