The Platter Company opens gluten free spot next to original shop

The Platter Company on Plains Road has already endured one significant change to business – after transitioning from catering to ready-to-cook meals during COVID – and is gearing up for another switch. 

The Platter is opening a second location, directly next door to the current spot, specializing in gluten free options. 

“We listened to our customers, and they’re looking for delicious, gluten free alternatives,” Jacqui Cronin, owner of The Platter Company, said. “They’ve come to us, wanting our quality food, and our same customer service, but hoping they could have it in a gluten-free alternative.”

Cronin added that there are not a ton of gluten-free options in Burlington, and it was her intention to remedy that issue.

The new shop will operate essentially as a separate entity, with its own kitchen to ensure there is no cross contamination. 

“We have just been certified through the gluten-free food program, which is recognized by the Celiac Society,” Cronin said. “We take saying that we’re gluten-free very seriously. We’re not just hanging our shingles saying it, we’ve gone through the processes and policies and gotten the certification.”

A sign is already hanging in the storefront window that reads “yes, everything in here is gluten free” just to make sure there is no confusion

Similar items will be available in both stores, including soups, charcuterie kits, pasta, chicken parm, shepherd's pie, and more. 

“The most exciting part is that when you come in here, there’s no question that the food is safe for you,” Cronin said. “I’m excited about taking this new leap, it’s a whole new audience and a whole new market that we’re going to open up to. And I love that it’s not just one item.”

The Platter Company started as a catering company in 2016, and opened a retail location in March 2020. After that, the business model had to change. 

“The phones were ringing, but it was to cancel weddings, meetings, get togethers, parties, everything was cancelled,” Cronin said. “That’s when The Platter Company really changed to prepared meals, getting out there and delivering or having people pick up. I remember people backing up with their trunks open and money in an envelope.”

Cronin added that although the change to pre-made meals didn’t happen in an ideal way, it was the best thing that could have happened to the business, but there was a bit of a learning curve when staff needed to swap from making lasagnas for 20 to lasagnas for four. 

Every item in both stores is tested by staff before it goes on shelves to ensure it meets their standards. Cronin said if the staff doesn’t say “yum”, customers won’t see it in the store. 

The Platter Company Gluten-Free Market is set to open its doors on Feb 29, with a grand opening ceremony scheduled for March 8.