New and additional offerings add to Guam’s hospitality sector

BY DANIEL M. PEREZ
Journal Staff

Guam’s commercial and hospitality landscape is expanding with several new ventures, ranging from niche specialty outlets to major resort enhancements across the island.

Among the latest commercial entries is Tasi Malt, a specialty retail and wholesale boutique in Tamuning, located in the Hotel Tano Guam, that specializes in single-malt Scotch whisky. Andrew Park, owner of Tasi Malt, said the venture aims to broaden the selection of premium spirits on island while tapping into a growing regional market for spirit tourism. "We are here to try and increase the awareness of different brands of whisky," Park said, noting that while Guam’s wine and beer options have diversified over the past two decades, options for high-end whisky have remained limited.

He said Tasi Malt focuses on single-malt Scotch, offering exclusive brands such as Arran, GlenAllachie, Glenfarclas, Glencadam, Deanston, Tobermory, Ledaig, Bunnahabhain, and Kingsbarns. The business operates alongside parent wholesaler Pacific Produce Corp., which has operated on Guam for 54 years.

The store seeks to capture interest from Asian visitors, particularly from South Korea and Japan, Park said. In South Korea, import tariffs on whisky range between 72% and 114%, making Guam’s lower tax environment an attractive destination for spirit enthusiasts. "Korea’s import tax for whisky is about 72% to 114%," Park said. "Here on Guam it is much lower. So we could turn this into kind of a whisky tourism if we do this correctly." Tasi Malt plans to host structured tastings, offer food pairing events, and expand wholesale distribution to local hotel properties and restaurants, he said.

In Mongmong-Toto-Maite, another unique concept recently opened inside the J&G Commercial Complex. Cafe Kiki Manga, founded by Arthur Delisle II, owner and chef of Cafe Kiki Manga, has introduced the island’s first manga-themed coffee house. Delisle converted a former hair salon space into the vibrant cafe, taking design inspiration from his 12-year-old son, Arthur Delisle III, as well as classic Japanese animation. "Manga was more exciting to us—something more alive and colorful," Delisle said. "It was a nice idea to actually come up with something different."

Christopher Lawlor, master barista of Cafe Kiki Manga, emphasized the shop’s focus on beverage craftsmanship, featuring Peet's Coffee beans sourced from the San Francisco Bay Area. "I want to promote the flavor of coffee, not the flavor of mocha and white chocolate," Lawlor said. "You want the coffee to be the majority part, the star of the show."

The cafe menu includes acai bowls, musuburritos, salmon croissants, five-cheese grilled sandwiches, and specialty teas. Delisle said soft-opening traffic from surrounding business complexes has exceeded initial expectations, and the owners plan to implement a book exchange system for manga readers in the near future.

Beyond retail dining, Guam’s hotel sector is preparing for a major beachfront addition. Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Guam announced it will open its Beach Club on Nov. 1, marking the first facility on Guam to adopt the official "Beach Club" designation.

Designed around an all-day coastal concept, the beachfront property features the Beach House outlet, offering light meals infused with Chamorro culinary elements alongside 34 beverage options. Operating from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., the venue will feature daytime island music and evening live performances.

The resort’s dining facility, CHOCHO, will provide all-day buffet dining featuring Guam-style barbecue and traditional Chamorro dishes within a dining space inspired by coconut-leaf weaving. Buffet pricing is set at $40 for adult breakfast and lunch service, and $65 for adult dinner service. Additional guest amenities include ocean kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, and the "Club Manta Plus" youth educational program.

Rounding out the island’s food service additions, Pepper Lunch USA opened its second Guam location at the Agana Shopping Center on Aug. 21, expanding its fast-casual Japanese DIY teppan dining footprint on island. mbj