McDonald’s of Saipan shindig celebrates 30 years

Scenes from McDonald’s of Saipan 30th anniversary celebration last Saturday at the restaurant’s main branch in Chalan Lau Lau. (Photos by CHRYSTAL MARINO)

McDonald’s of Saipan officials, employees, staff, and members of the community gathered for several family friendly activities last Saturday afternoon at the restaurant’s main branch in Chalan Lau Lau to celebrate McDonald’s 30th anniversary in the CNMI

The celebration officially kicked off at 2pm with games and giveaway prizes, including free orders of fries. By 4:30pm, families and customers gathered to watch a live set of performances, including a performance from cultural dance group Te Ivi Maori.

The restaurant itself was packed as special deals on select food, including some free smoothie samples, were made available from 2pm until 8pm, and as several schools participated in the live show, many families came to watch their children perform dances and songs with their schoolmates.

“We’re so happy that the community has come out to support your locally owned McDonald’s of Saipan and we want to show that we’re here for the community, so we put on this big event. …We’re happy to be here. Thank you, Saipan,” said McDonald’s of Saipan and Guam vice president Joe Ayuyu Jr.

Ayuyu said he looks forward to another 30-plus years of McDonald’s on Saipan.

After a major renovation that introduced a modern look and feature at the restaurant’s main branch in Chalan Lau Lau, Ayuyu said, “We want to focus on that and bring a futuristic experience to the people of the CNMI. That’s our goal.”

He also expressed his deepest thanks to every person, business, stakeholder, and the overall community for their contribution in making McDonald’s a success. He also made sure to thank all employees and staff. “… I want to thank our employees. Some have chosen to make a career of working at McDonald’s, and they’ve been with us for so many, many years and so I want to thank them for their hard work and dedication. I want to especially thank the community. And, as what my parents like to always remind me and my sisters, the community is what makes us successful, so we always [have] to give back and remember the community.

“Today is a celebration for McDonald’s and also a celebration for the people of the CNMI so thank you everybody,” added Ayuyu.

Throughout the day individuals and families could be seen either sharing or making more McDonald’s memories.

Sisters Christine and Pauleen Beceril from Chalan Kanoa shared that McDonald’s is one of the places that hold fond childhood memories for them when they were growing up. They especially noted their birthdays at the restaurant, calling it a “fun part of childhood.”

McDonald’s crew members Leslie Babauta and Eros Estolas are excited and happy to be a part of the celebration.

“Being here it’s all about family,” they said, adding “…I’m very excited, this is my first time. You know, I’ve been working here for only six months, so being able to be a part of the 30th year anniversary seems awesome.”

McDonald’s marketing assistant Jewel Cubangbang said event planning for the celebration actually begun directly after last year’s golf tournament, and took about three months.

Cubangbang said it had been such a great experience, especially since this event was her first time to plan one since joining the team just nine months ago.

It was also announced last Saturday that the deadline for the McDonald’s Race to Raise program for Public School System schools has been extended. The program is designed to give the restaurant’s patrons the opportunity to give a ticket to the school of their choice after purchasing a minimum of $15 at McDonald’s. Whichever school raises the most tickets will be awarded $5,000.

“It’s really all about the children and giving back to the community,” Ayuyu said. “McDonald’s is a family business. It’s really into children and the youth, so this is a program in which we want to give back. You know, everyone loves the children, the children love McDonald’s, and we want to keep that cycle going. Working hand-in-hand and partnership with the local schools, that’s something we’re very happy to do, so thank you.”