Oleai Beach Bar, Grillin’, Fork & Chopsticks closed

Popular restaurants such as Oleai Beach Bar & Grill in Oleai, Grillin’ in Garapan, and Fork & Chopsticks on Middle Road are turning belly up one by one, in large part due to the tanking economy.

Considered one of the—if not the—most popular bars/restaurants by the beach on Saipan, Oleai Beach Bar & Grill closed its operations on Nov. 1 after several years in operation. It was a favorite spot among residents and tourists because of its relaxing beachside location, great sunset view, $1 tacos, great food, and friendly atmosphere.

Tamara Hunter, its former manager, said yesterday that there were several factors behind the closure, “mainly the increase in costs to run the business and the monthly rent, power, salaries, etc.”

Hunter said that prior to the spot being named Oleai Beach Bar & Grill in the early ’90s, it also hosted the former Rudolpho’s Bar before it moved to different locations.

Oleai Beach Bar & Grill’s owners are trying to look for new investors to take over the bar’s operations. For serious inquiries, contact Hunter at 234-8320.

A regular patron said that Oleai Beach Bar & Grill is the “only” authentic bar and restaurant by the beach that’s not part of a hotel establishment.

“I would miss sitting out there, enjoying the beach, enjoying the food and drinks while watching the sunset. Nothing comes close,” he said.

Grillin’, once a popular party place and restaurant, also shut down its operations at Saipan Ocean View Hotel in Garapan early this month.

Doll Loste, co-owner of the restaurant, said the bad economy and the high cost of operations, including utilities, processing of employees’ work papers, maintenance and other goods and services led to the restaurant’s closure.

Loste said that looking back, Grillin’ at least found a niche as it became a popular spot for birthday parties and other receptions, mostly among the members of the Filipino community. The same spot used to host another restaurant, Pierre’s.

“We found a niche, but even then, it’s not good enough to cover all the expenses,” said Loste.

Fork & Chopsticks, located beside New XO Market on Middle Road, gained popularity for its cheap and sizeable food servings but just like the others, it also closed shop because operational costs couldn’t catch up with revenues.

“Expenses were too much,” said one of its former employees. But she said a new businessman may take over the restaurant and open soon.

Even international food chains such as Wendy’s and Jollibee were not spared from the CNMI’s economic crisis in recent years.

The CNMI economy has shrunk to its lowest level, caused mainly by the pullout of the garment industry, a struggling tourism industry, and uncertainties brought by changes in the immigration system. Even the government’s budget for fiscal year 2012 of $102 million is down to the level it was more than 20 years ago.

But while many businesses are closing up, other small businesses are also opening up.

Wayne Pangelinan, who just opened a barbecue stand on Monday, said he sees opportunity even during tough times. He opened “Charcoal” in Chalan Piao.

“Opening a business in a down economy boils down to marketing it…Plus I don’t think there’s a barbecue stand in this part of the island,” he said.