Case Study | Tom’s Kitchen
Flogas generates good business for Tom’s Kitchen
Avonmouth-based street food vendor, Tom’s Kitchen, has swapped its petrol generator for a Flogas LPG Greengear model, saving the business a significant 60% on its fuel costs. As well as cutting costs, the switch to LPG has also helped the food truck become cleaner and greener, more efficient and quieter in its day to day operations.
The 3kw LPG generator is the company’s sole source of electricity, and is in use for 46 hours a week, 50 weeks of the year. “A consistent and reliable power source is essential for my business,” says owner Metin Sonmez. “With my previous generator, the petrol would run out and then my fridge freezer would stop working. This not only negatively impacted my business, but my customers too. After just one year, it broke down completely and I needed a replacement.
Application
LPG generator and gas bottles for street food van
Results
- 60% reduction in running costs
- Saving £116 a week
- Quieter running
- Happy customers!
“I opted for an LPG model because it just made better business sense. Within just a matter of weeks, I was making fuel cost savings of around 60%, which has made a major difference to my bottom line – my annual running costs have now dropped from £9,779 to £3,933. When you consider this on a weekly basis that’s a saving of £116.00 and more than £5,846 per year. The cost of the generator paid for itself within 5 weeks and the best bit is, the generator just keeps on going for days on end, so I never have to worry about running out of power when I need it the most. My customers are happier too!”
With recommended service intervals of 500+ hours, the LPG Greengear generator requires far less maintenance than petrol models, saving businesses valuable time and money. “I’ve operated food trucks for years, and I’ve never had such a dependable generator until now,” adds Metin. “However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to look after it. My generator ran perfectly for four months and then needed a basic service, which I just did myself. I changed the oil, the brushes and checked the spark plug and then it was good to go again. It took just five minutes.”
As well as enhancing efficiencies, Tom’s Kitchen has also become a far greener business since switching to LPG. It has cut its carbon footprint substantially and has also reduced other pollutant emissions, such as nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulphur oxide (Sox) – both major contributors to air pollution. It has even been able to cut down its own noise pollution, as LPG generators are significantly quieter.
No longer needing to refuel at the petrol station, Tom’s Kitchen now receives convenient, guaranteed LPG cylinder deliveries from Flogas’s Avonmouth depot, which is just 200 yards down the road. The food truck receives four 19kg propane bottles a week and is never left without a dependable supply.
“With Flogas I know I can keep my business running and my customers happy,” says Metin. “I always have the gas I need, plus it comes at a competitive price, which is also important. I’ve built up some excellent relationships with the delivery team, who are always helpful and friendly to work with, and I couldn’t ask for a better service.”