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Aiko’s Ramen to close Dec. 1
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Posted on Nov 04 2020
Aiko’s Ramen in Susupe will closing shop in Dec. 1 after four years in operation. (Mark Rabago)
Aiko’s Ramen in Susupe will be bowing out on Dec. 1, 2020, after four years of existence, according to a media statement from the Japanese ramen shop’s management.
“It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce the closure of Aiko’s Ramen effective December 1, 2020. We would like to thank you for your patronage and loyalty these last four years we’ve been in business,” read the statement from Aiko’s Ramen management.
Aiko’s Ramen opened with much fanfare in November 2016 together with a third Café Latte and the Hafa Adai Express at the Joeten Shopping Center complex in Susupe. It was then thought of as a new concept of convenience shopping tailored for tourists and residents who want a selection of dining and snacking choices in the same building.
The ramen shop joins a growing list of business shutdowns in the CNMI, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to batter the economy, with the islands’ lone industry—tourism—still on the sidelines. Other businesses that so far bid the islands goodbye are Tony Roma’s, Capricciosa, and Tasty’s along Paseo de Marianas.
Top hotels like Grandvrio Hotel, Coral Ocean Point, and Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan (World Cafe and Teppanyaki are still open) have also temporarily closed due to lack of tourist reservations. Meanwhile, Kanoa Resort is being used as the CNMI’s Alternate Care Site. Local tour and travel companies are also in hiatus.
Aiko’s Ramen may be closing its doors, but management said they plan on serving the Japanese ramen shop’s products at the locations of its sister-store, Aiko’s Deli.
“While we will be closing our restaurant, we are planning to continue offering our fresh ramen at a few of our Aiko’s Deli locations. We will inform the community once that is available. Once again, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your business.”
