Pictured: Kerri Green, Commerce Chenango President & CEO, Erin Shapley-Blenis, Jessica and Finn. (Submitted photo)

CHENANGO COUNTY – 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.