How Friet Panters Stopped Paying Too Much for Energy Without Even Realizing It

A restaurant or bar where the energy is always “on”

Friet Panters is a restaurant in Breda that specializes in artisanal fries and fast service. Due to the combination of kitchen equipment, peak hours, and constant production, energy is a significant and recurring expense.

Co-owner Rob Wennekes focuses on quality and efficiency in operations. This also means ensuring that fixed costs are predictable and aligned with the business’s rhythm.

Challenge: When a Contract Unwittingly Works Against You

Energy contracts are often signed and then rarely reviewed afterward. Meanwhile, rates, terms, and market conditions are constantly changing. At Friet Panters, too, the contract had been tacitly renewed. It no longer reflected current market conditions, and there was no clarity on exactly how the price was calculated.

It's not the price that's the problem, but the lack of insight

The question was not only whether it could be done more cheaply, but above all whether the contract still made sense. Without insight into the rate structure, timing, and terms, it’s difficult to get a handle on this. At the same time, many business owners lack the time to actively follow the energy market or analyze contracts. The main challenges were:

• No insight into how the energy rate is calculated
• An Unfavorable Contract Form Due to Tacit Renewal
• No control over costs and future price trends

Small differences in storage and timing can have a significant impact on an annual basis. This is especially true in the hospitality industry, where energy consumption is continuous. Without active management, this often leads to consistently high costs, reduced flexibility, and contracts that no longer align with the company’s situation.

The Solution: From an Unclear Contract to a Conscious Energy Choice

SPOT Energie began by providing a complete overview of the existing contract. By analyzing the structure of the rate plan, it became clear where the differences lay and where optimization was possible. Friet Panters then switched to a solution offered through the hospitality collective. By pooling volume and choosing the right time to purchase, they were able to secure more competitive and better-suited terms.

In addition, the contract is now being actively monitored. This ensures that it remains aligned with the market and prevents risks such as automatic renewal.

What Makes This Approach Different

While many parties focus on closing a deal quickly, this approach is all about insight and timing. First, understand what you’re paying for; only then make a decision. That means no automatic renewals, full transparency in pricing, and an approach that adapts to the company’s situation.

For Friet Panters, this marked a clear turning point—not only in terms of costs, but especially in how energy is viewed. What was once an unclear and passive expense item is now an integral part of the company’s operations that is actively managed.

“We actually had no idea what we were paying for. SPOT Energie gave us immediate insight and provided a solution that truly fits the way we work. The biggest difference is peace of mind. We know exactly where we stand and no longer have to guess.”

Rob Wennekes Friet Panters

Many hospitality businesses find themselves in a similar situation. Contracts are automatically renewed, rates are opaque, and there is little active management of energy use—even though energy is one of the largest fixed costs.

With insight, the right timing, and an appropriate contract structure, you create the opportunity to make better choices and achieve structural cost improvements.

Conclusion

Friet Panters demonstrates what happens when energy is no longer viewed as something that’s “just part of the deal,” but as something you can take control of. With the right guidance, the result is not only a better contract, but above all clarity, predictability, and peace of mind in business operations.

The hospitality industry has its ups and downs and seasonal fluctuations

“That’s why, at the SPOT Horeca Collective, we never blindly opt for the lowest rate. By combining data from hundreds of hospitality businesses, we know exactly what works in practice. This helps you avoid the pitfall of dynamic hourly rates that don’t align with your busiest times. You’ll always get the contract that’s truly right for your business.”

– Jerry says