WESST Client Profile
Inside "Blue Plate One," Gwen Florio supervises Scott Clapp's preparation of one of their specialties.
Blue Plate Special
Scott Clapp and Gwen Florio
Blue Plate Special Chefs Scott Clapp and Gwen Florio never intended to start a catering company when they moved to Albuquerque. However, after receiving continued requests they teamed up to open Blue Plate Special at the end of 2000. "We specialize in providing quality service, a flexible menu, superior products and attention to detail to each of our customers," said Gwen.
Beginning with more traditional catering engagements such as corporate events and weddings, Blue Plate Special was quickly approached by a film production company shooting on location in New Mexico. Since this initial contact, Blue Plate Special has provided catering for four films, including Rx, Dreamland, Cruel World, and a Hallmark made-for-television movie, "In from the Night." Blue Plate Special also caters special events such as the Junior Arabian Horse Show in Albuquerque. Gwen and Scott report that two of their client's favorite dishes are the citrus salmon cured with wasabi on wonton chips and the chocolate chile pecan pie.
Blue Plate Special has obtained two loans from WESST. They used the first to purchase a van to help cater events and to redesign their website. With the second loan, they were able to purchase a 55 foot long truck and trailer affectionately named "Blue Plate One" which contains a mobile kitchen. This mobile kitchen has allowed them to take their custom cuisine to remote film locations throughout New Mexico. "Purchasing the truck has been the biggest change in our business since we started," said Gwen. "It allowed us to change our focus and go after a new market of customers."
"At critical points in the growth of our business WESST has been there," Scott added.
Blue Plate Special
Scott Clapp and Gwen Florio
2412 San Mateo Pl. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
505-255-BLUE
http://www.eatblueplate.com