TODAY, March 18, is McDonald’s Chalan Laulau’s 32nd year of bringing smiles to customers’ faces.
Joe Ayuyu Jr.
According to McDonald’s of Guam & Saipan Vice President Joe Ayuyu Jr., son of founder Joe Ayuyu Sr., the opening of Saipan’s flagship McDonald’s location was a “big deal” back in 1993.
“People lined up early, excited to try McDonald’s for the first time on the island,” he said. “The energy was incredible—families, kids, and longtime fans of the brand all came out to be part of the moment. We had a full team ready to serve, and while we were stocked well, some of the most popular items sold out fast because of the overwhelming demand. It was a great start, and it showed us right away how much the community welcomed McDonald’s.”
Since that fateful day, Ayuyu Sr. and his wife, Marcia, worked hard to set it up for success.
They ran the day-to-day operations throughout the ’90s while raising two young children. They spent many late nights working in the kitchen, learning more about their business while balancing their family life.
By December 1996, the Ayuyus were able to open a second location in Garapan in the heart of the island’s tourist district, according to their website. And they weren’t done expanding, because in 2018, the family was able to purchase all McDonald’s locations on Guam.
Ayuyu Jr., who says the Big Mac and Quarter Pounder “always hit the spot” in his opinion, says the company is “always looking ahead” to improve the restaurants, to introduce new ways to order, or to bring in innovative menu options. Later this year, some fan-favorite menu items might return, he said.
The bottom line is to keep McDonald’s customers’ experience at the forefront as it moves toward the next decades of operation.
“Growth is important, but more than that, we want to make sure we’re giving our guests the best experience possible, both now and in the future,” the younger Joe Ayuyu said. “A lot has changed over the years—technology, customer expectations, and even the way we operate day to day. But what hasn’t changed is our commitment to serving great food and making people feel welcome. We’ve evolved with the times, but at the heart of it, McDonald’s is still a place where families come together, just like in 1993.”
As McDonald’s works to reach even more milestones, Ayuyu Jr. says it will continue to create a family environment at its restaurants.
“McDonald’s is a family business in every sense,” Joe Jr. says. “It takes a strong team to make things run smoothly, and I’m grateful to have my family and great employees working together to keep everything going. Success isn’t just about one person; it’s about the people who show up every day and give it their best.”
Of course, even McDonald’s has had to overcome economic obstacles on island in its over 30 years of operation, present economic woes included. Ayuyu Jr. says the business is locked in on value and service.
“Like any business, we’ve faced challenges,” he said, “but our focus has always been on providing value and keeping our guests happy. We know that McDonald’s is a place where people come for comfort and familiarity, and we take that role seriously.”
To thank its customers, starting at 3 p.m. today, March 18, the first 50 children who go in the door at the Chalan Laulau location will receive a free coloring activity and chocolate chip cookie.
On March 21 to 23, McDonald’s will host giveaway specials and food promotions. Stay tuned to @mcdonaldsofguamandsaipan on social media for more details.
Generations of McDonald’s leadership: The Ayuyu family gathers for a portrait.
The business remains grateful to its patrons.
“Thank you for being part of the McDonald’s family,” Ayuyu Jr. said. “It’s because of you—your support, your visits, your shared memories—that we’ve been here for over 30 years. We look forward to serving you for many more.”
McDonald’s of Guam & Saipan, locally owned by Joe and Marcia Ayuyu and their son, Ayuyu Jr., is the leading food service restaurant chain in the Mariana Islands. McDonald’s of Guam & Saipan has served the local communities for over 50 years on Guam and 30 years on Saipan and remains one of the island’s largest employers.
<strong>The bottom line is to keep McDonald’s customers’ experience at the forefront as it moves toward the next decades of operation.</strong>
<p style=”text-align: right;”>—Joe Ayuyu Jr., Vice President, McDonald’s of Guam and Saipan
Generations of McDonald’s leadership: The Ayuyu family gathers for a portrait.
