‘Hut’ stuff Legacy fast-food chain taps First Gen for geothermal power supply

TROPICAL Hut Food Market Inc., one of the oldest fastfood chains in the Philippines, has reached an agreement with the First Gen Group to power 12 Tropical Hut branches, as well as its head office, with geothermal energy as part of costmanagement initiatives.

The power supply contract, signed by Tropical Hut and First Gen officials early last month, entails the supply to Tropical Hut of at least 750 kilowatts of geothermal energy sourced from First Gen’s Unified Leyte facilities, one of the longest-running steam fields in the world.

“We’re pleased to partner with First Gen to help us manage our energy costs and help the environment as well by not using electricity from fossil fuels. This will help us keep serving our customers with the burgers and other classic favorites just as we have done for over 60 years,” said Amelita Cauilan, Tropical Hut president and general manager.

Established in 1965, Tropical Hut started out as a coffee shop serving hamburgers, eventually expanding its menu to include spaghetti, fried chicken and other fast-food items. The food chain is owned by the Mercury Group of Companies, which is also the parent company of Mercury Drug Corporation.

“We are privileged to partner with such an iconic Filipino brand and provide them with indigenous geothermal power to support their operations. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration with Tropical Hut,” said Carlo Vega, First Gen chief customer engagement officer.