Rice2MeatU feeds first responders, vows comeback after Sinlaku disruption

With island power still out following Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Rice2MeatU turned a business disruption into a community effort—cooking and giving away food that could not be stored without electricity while vowing to rebuild stronger.

“It’s not really relief distribution. We had to cook the food or else we would have had to throw it away,” said Rice2MeatU owner Frank Celis, noting that the lack of Commonwealth Utilities Corp power forced them to act quickly.

“When we first left the house we saw the destruction and saw how the first responders were out there risking their lives,” he said. “So when we got back after charging and getting water we started making empanada for the guys working on the back road.”

In all, the business produced around 800 empanadas—“not regular local empanadas, our signature nadas,” Celis said, highlighting their 15 different flavors that have helped define the brand’s identity.

Among their bestsellers are the crowd-favorite fusion flavors that blend local taste with creative fillings, a concept that has set Rice2MeatU apart in the local food scene.

Distribution was done daily and directly to those on the ground. “Each day we cooked and before we did our errands we picked place or first responders we saw on the road and we gave them empanadas,” he said.

Recipients included crews clearing road debris, personnel at the Marianas High School shelter, and responders in areas such as Mobil Chalan Kiya. The effort also extended through family. “My wife’s aunt distributed to first responders for us,” Celis added.

Last April 19, one of their regular customers, Shirley Villagomez and her husband, volunteered to deliver wraps and chicken poppers around Dan Dan. Then the same evening, they delivered chicken nuggets, French fries, and chicken poppers to Garapan.

The same day, Celis delivered chicken poppers and wraps, while giving food away to anyone in need dropping by their house.

Beyond the food, Celis said the gesture reflects what their brand stands for—community, resilience, and sharing what they have in times of need.

“We saw people working hard and others struggling and we had extra food,” he said.

As for their customers, Celis offered a message of gratitude and reassurance as the business works toward reopening.

To their loyal community, he said they remain committed to coming back better, with the same quality and creativity that built their following—only stronger after the storm.

Rice2MeatU is now assessing damage to its operations and preparing to rebuild, with plans to restore service as soon as conditions allow—perhaps May or June—while continuing to support the community that has supported them.