Plato's Provision Co.
“Surely our first and greatest need is the provision of food to sustain life.” —Plato
When Clinton Farmer and Taylor Martin met nine years ago, they had no idea what life had in store for them. Now known as Clinton and Taylor Farmer, these high school sweethearts both have always had a passion for food and both ended up working in food service. However, neither were vegan.
While attending UCO together, they began learning about animal ethics. Clinton even taught the subject. This created a passion within the pair as well as a resolve to lead a healthier lifestyle, so as they started cooking for themselves, they slowly started weeding out animal products.
Self-proclaimed “foodies who love to travel,” they were inspired by various vegan spots around the country and decided to create their own. With OKC having a need for vegan food, the couple decided to open Plato’s Provisions Co., which has now become a destination food truck for vegans and meat eaters alike.
But as all small business owners know, success didn’t happen overnight. They began by looking for a truck. They found one in Tulsa for $9,500. It hadn’t run in two years. They renovated it themselves, which took five months. They put in the walls, flooring, and new equipment by googling how to do it all. Because they are passionate about supporting local businesses, they hired local to design their logo, as well as paint the truck. “We take pride in our truck because we renovated it ourselves,” stated Clinton. Other food trucks might have crumbs or even piles of old food under the cooking area. Not Plato’s Provision Co. They clean it after every shift.
Plato’s has become known for their seitan or “wheat meat,” and Taylor makes the seitan fresh every morning before their shift. It is hand-kneaded similarly to bread. She doesn’t use a mixer. “Seitan is comparable to meat in protein and carbs, and really versatile,” according to Taylor.
Plato’s is Oklahoma’s first seitan food truck. Taylor and Clinton pride themselves on making familiar options that surprise people when they find out they are vegan. One of their most popular items is the vegan gyro. “As far as we know, we are the only vegan gyro out there.”
I can speak to the deliciousness of this item from experience. Their vegan gyro is fantastic and shockingly similar to the meat version. Other popular items are the pesto breakfast sandwich with seitan bacon and the spicy BBQ chicken sandwich with seitan chicken. Choose between these and you will get the best vegan version of bacon or chicken I’ve ever tried. The Farmers want to destigmatize vegan meat and let people know you don’t have to sacrifice. “Food connects everyone,” said Clinton. “Our first need is food. It matters how we source it, and not just for ourselves, but for the ecosystem.”
It makes sense that these two were inspired by Plato’s quote and his value of questioning opinions. Bringing this dialogue to food is a passion for the couple. They want to make great food, but also make a difference.
In addition to running a wildly popular food truck, Taylor and Clinton welcomed their newest family member, Winona Clementine Farmer, in July. Thankfully, both sets of grandparents are down to babysit, so we get to enjoy the delicious food of Plato’s Provisions Co. on a regular basis.
