TINIAN — Island residents interviewed by Variety expressed their appreciation for the recent grand opening of Triple J’s Tinian Western Lodge, Bar-K-Diner & Drive-In and Hertz Rent-A-Car office.
“With our struggling economy trying to stay afloat, it’s good to see Triple J open their businesses on Tinian,” said Mathew Masga, resident director of the Tinian Department of Public Safety.
“They have already made an impact on our community by hiring local workers,” he added.
Masga noted that the Jones family, which owns Triple J, were doing business on Tinian before as Micronesian Development Corp.
“Many families worked for the Jones business in the early ’70s. The Jones company supplied fresh milk throughout Micronesia. They also had piggeries and a U.S. Department of Agriculture-certified slaughterhouse. So it is great to see them re-establish their businesses on Tinian.”
Masga added, “We hope to see them prosper and, as the military build-up continues to move forward on Tinian, we hope to see them expand by hiring more of our local residents to support the build-up.
Lilia King, who owns a store that sells jewelry, among other things, told Variety, “There’s always a risk when opening a business on Tinian. It is not as populated [as] Saipan, but the Tinian customers are very loyal. They know what they like and if what you offer is good, they’ll keep coming back.”
She said a newly opened business will also create jobs for the people of Tinian.
“We are very happy to welcome the Jones family back to Tinian,” said Phillip Thomas Mendiola-Long, co-founder and chairman of Ohala Foundation Inc. “I remember growing up and seeing them involved with the ranch business,” the former Tinian Municipal Council member said.
“We are hoping that they will further expand on Tinian. They have all the support of the island’s business community.”
Retired Army Capt. Joseph Santos said the newly opened business establishments are blessings for Tinian.
Santos is from Guam but teaches JROTC on Tinian. He and his wife Rosa and another couple had lunch at Triple Bar-K-Diner on Sunday.
“I grew up in the ’70s and I still remember the milk from Tinian that the Jones family sold on Guam,” he said.
As for the Triple Bar-K-Diner food, “It was good,” Santos said.
A restaurant employee told Variety that she had never been “so tired” in her entire life. “I never expected it to be this busy,” she added. “That’s a good thing.”
Retired Army Capt. Joseph Santos and wife Rosa pose for Variety at the entrance of Triple J’s Tinian Western Lodge.
Photo by Bryan Manabat
Guests wait for their turn to be seated at Triple Bar-K-Diner at lunch time on Valentine’s Day.
Photo by Bryan Manabat
Robert H. Jones, Triple J chairman of the board and chief executive officer, poses with other Triple J executives and personnel at the Tinian Western Lodge, one of the new Triple J businesses that opened on Tinian. The others are the Hertz Rent-A-Car office, and the Bar-K-Diner & Drive-In. Jones said Triple J is also building a Five Star Wholesale store which will open in April.
Triple J photo
