New businesses launch across Guam with a variety of specialties and offerings
BY DANIEL M. PEREZ
Journal Staff
A wave of new businesses has launched across Guam, expanding the island's dining, entertainment, and specialty retail sectors despite ongoing supply chain and operational headwinds.
In Dededo, J.P., co-owner of Krave Kitchen, and E.W., co-owner of Krave Kitchen, who both declined to be identified by their full names, established their fast-casual establishment along Ysengsong Road to capitalize on northern Guam's growing residential and commercial traffic.
Krave Kitchen in Ysengsong Road in Dededo offering Hawaiian-Guam fusion bowls. Photos by Daniel M. Perez
"We saw how busy this area is, and then we wanted to be close to Camp Blaz that just opened up, [Guam Regional Medical City] down the road, and the schools around this area," J.P. said, noting the limited restaurant options in the immediate vicinity.
Drawing on culinary experience from Hawaii, J.P. created a menu featuring Hawaiian-Guam fusion flavor profiles centered on accessible meal concepts. “Our main focus is bowls," E.W. said. "Everything is going to be a bowl. So, you are going to buy a bowl, and it is going to be a hot bowl, a poke bowl, or whatever bowl we have that day."
Managing ingredient costs remains an active effort due to elevated utility rates, labor expenses, and food inflation.
J.P. said that while Krave Kitchen sources produce from local farmers when available, the business regularly compares prices across multiple vendors to maintain accessible menu pricing.
"If local farmers have local produce, we will buy from them," J.P. said. "You have to shop around each vendor because each vendor has a different price."
GENDA GiGO Entertainment Inc. opened its first branch of the popular amusement arcades on the island inside the Village of Donki. The location, known as Get into the Gaming Oasis, or GiGO, features an expansive floor of crane games, video games, and rhythm titles.
The first GiGo arcade opened at the Village of Donki, making its entry to the U.S market.
Meanwhile, specialty retail has grown in central Guam with the opening of Tasi Malt in Tumon. Located in Suite 104 of Hotel Tano, the premium whiskey retailer offers barrel-to-bottle spirits and operates Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. mbj
Matson Inc. and Hanwha Philly Shipyard Inc. held a christening ceremony for the Aloha Class Vessel Makua, set to serve Guam in the first quarter of 2027, at the Hanwha Philly Shipyard, Philadelphia on Oct. 12.
Essential infrastructure, commercial fuel stations, and private health facilities across Guam are swiftly reopening following the passage of Super Typhoon Champi, with key transportation hubs and utility providers moving into full recovery status.
Just hours after Super Typhoon Champi passed south of Guam, President Donald Trump approved Gov. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero's request for an emergency declaration, which authorizes the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate emergency assistance.
Typhoon Champi is now expected to be a Category 4 storm, with winds of 130 to 156 mph and gusts of more than 180 mph, when it makes its closest approach to Guam.
