19/06/2026
HANGRY ACADEMY HISTORY
2020-2023
(written by: Masayuki Sakai)
History of Hangry Academy
Hangry Academy traces its roots back to the tumultuous year of 2019 when the world was grappling with the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the midst of uncertainty and lockdowns, Mr. Justin Ritz Fuertes (Co-Founder), fueled by his passion for cooking and a craving for delicious snacks, decided to turn his culinary experiments into a business venture.
The idea for Hangry Academy's flagship product, the Rapid Beef Burger, was born from the context of the times. The term "rapid" was inspired by the rapid testing conducted during the pandemic, a nod to the speed at which the burger could be prepared and enjoyed. What he as a way to satiate their own hunger pangs soon transformed into a potential business opportunity.
Home Kitchen Beginnings:
In the early days, Hangry Academy was purely a home-based operation. Mr. Justin (Co-Founder), with a shared love for crafting mouthwatering burgers, began experimenting with recipes in their own kitchens. The Rapid Beef Burger, with its unique blend of flavors and quick preparation time, emerged as the star of their culinary experiments.
Online Debut (2020):
As the founder perfected their burger recipe, they decided to take their creation to the digital realm. In 2020, amidst the lockdowns and the surge in online businesses, Hangry Academy made its online debut. They started by offering their Rapid Beef Burger through social media platforms and local online marketplaces, targeting individuals who were craving a tasty and convenient snack while stuck at home.
First Customer, First Milestone:
The turning point for Hangry Academy came with their first customer. The positive feedback and demand that followed prompted the founders to consider the possibility of turning their passion project into a full-fledged business. Encouraged by the initial success, they decided to formalize their operations, establish an online presence, and scale up production.
Building a Brand (2021):
With the momentum gained from positive customer reviews, Hangry Academy focused on building a brand identity. They invested in professional branding, expanded their online presence, and started up their first physical store on August 8, 2021, at Pasonanca, Zamboanga City. The Rapid Beef Burger gained popularity not only for its unique name but also for its quality and the story behind its inception during a challenging time.
Expanding the Menu and Reach:
Recognizing the need for variety and catering to different tastes, Hangry Academy expanded its menu to include variations of the Rapid Beef Burger. They introduced new burger flavors, bunwiches, lemonades, sodas, coffee, and fruit shakes to further solidifying their position in the online food market.
Present Day (2023):
Hangry Academy has evolved from a home kitchen experiment to a well-established online and store presence in food parks in Zamboanga City, known for its Rapid Beef Burger and commitment to quality. The founder continues to explore new avenues for growth, maintaining the same passion for food and innovation that fueled their journey from a pandemic-inspired snack to a business sensation. The story of Hangry Academy serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity that can emerge even in challenging times.
