For 15 years, Plato Wraps has been quietly but assuredly serving value-for-money handheld meals to Filipinos on-the-go. Long before wraps and to-go meals became more popular, the Seen family saw an opportunity to create a brand that would withstand shortlived food fads, while expanding their bakery line and offering something new for their customers. Plato Wraps Owner Tony Seen produced the flatbread while his wife, Plato Wraps Founder and President Kamela, complemented it with savory fillings. The plate-shaped sandwich was thus named PlatoWraps.
From its first filling of chicken, Plato Wraps has launched an expanded menu with Ham and Cheese, Yummy Tuna, Beef Gyro and seasonal fillings of Adoboritto, Cheese Pimiento, and Platopizza.
It’s never been a better time for this enduring and successful brand. With the abundance of dining options available, Filipinos have become more discerning about what they eat and Plato Wraps fits into today’s busy cubicle-dwellers food preferences—portable, affordable, and healthy.
“Customers are now more health-conscious. They understand products that are made with less preservatives and additives. They want food that is prepared fast without sacrificing the quality and taste, “says Plato Wraps Brand Manager Kreme Seen.
taste of cubed ham and cheese melt with Plato Wraps’ home-made special dressing.
REFRESHING THE LOOK
To celebrate their milestone and to keep up with the changing times, Plato Wraps has adopted a new streamlined look. The green logo is inspired by their signature ridged flatbread, making their brand much more identifiable and delivering the fresh appeal of their product.
Kamela handed the task of creating the new visual identity to Kreme, who started the project over a year ago. The team went through numerous design trials before finding the perfect look. “We sell the idea of fresh and on-the-go but the old logo did not reflect that. We wanted the new look to be aligned with this. This was very important, so we could replicate it with future plans we would have for the brand,” Krem explained. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive for the kiosks that have adopted the new look. According to Krem, their customers have embraced it and sales have also increased.
The look is a refreshing departure from the old PlatoWraps colors of red and yellow but remains true to their brand identity. “We want to stand out, so that even from afar we will be seen,” Kamela added. This is a crucial factor, especially for food kiosks that can be lost in the midst of competitors. “Even if we are just a kiosk, I believe we should also set standards,” Kamela finished.
KEEP IT SUSTAINABLE
Kamela, who heads kitchen duties, is also busy concocting new items to look forward to. Plato Wraps is developing a chia wrap, as well as experimenting with fillings like bean sprouts and gourmet tuyo. Plato Wraps will be coming out with package fillings and the plain, wheat and pesto flatbreads that customers can take home and enjoy at their leisure. Their menu boards will soon contain calorie counters for the different wraps, to complete the healthy component they offer.
A standalone store is in the pipeline once the Seens find a good location. This would allow them to feature an expanded menu. Perhaps a make-your-own-wrap option will then be available.
Kamela comments on how they have successfully managed Plato Wraps for the past 15 years and still look forward to more years in the competitive foodservice sector. “Don’t stop innovating. The challenge in this business is sustainability. A lot of new concepts are coming out every day. Plato Wraps is not an overnight concept, but one developed over a long period of time.”
Another factor she attirubtes to their success is the conservative expansion the company has gone through. After 15 years, they currently have 58 branches, 19 of which are company owned. “Expand conservatively. It is hard to have 200 stores when you are not ready. Everything from the commissary, operations to the back office is important. It is easy to become off balance once something is not in place. Dahan dahan sa kaya natin.”
It is easy to see how Plato Wraps can continue to satisfy their customer’s diverse on-the-go demands with the experience and attitude the Seens have towards their business. For those who have not yet checked it out, time to wrap it up and try Plato Wraps’ new and delightful offerings.
Email: platowraps_2000@yahoo.com
Facebook Account: @PlatoWrapsOfficial
Twitter Account: @PlatoWraps
Instagram Account: @PlatoWraps
