McDonald’s turns 19

On March 18, McDonald’s Saipan will mark 19 years of serving the island community with delicious food from the world’s largest hamburger chain.

Since its inception in 1993, McDonald’s Saipan is the only international fast food giant on island that has withstood the test of time.

“Being around for 19 years brings such a great feeling to all of us here at McDonald’s Saipan,” said general manager Marcia Ayuyu. “Every anniversary we observe is always special because it means that we’re still around and that we’re successful in what we do.”

Ayuyu attributes their success to the service they provide. She said that swiftness and convenience are important factors in a fast food restaurant, but so is quality service.

Mabel Ayuyu, executive assistant to president Joe Ayuyu, the patriarch at the helm of the family-run business, said that McDonald’s Saipan goes beyond service. “Our crew members know our regular customers that we’ve grown to be a big family here,” she said.

One thing people love about McDonald’s Saipan, Marcia said, is that it is constantly evolving. “We always have something new to offer, bringing in new flavors to satisfy our customers’ discerning palates.”

Mabel, who just returned after studying business administration at the Chaminade University in Hawaii, agrees. “What’s great about McDonald’s is that it thinks globally yet acts locally,” said Mabel.

Certain items are available exclusively for specific regions. On Saipan, McDonald’s offers unique choices such as Spam breakfast platters and taro pie, which delight off-island guests and promote locally grown products.

At the same time, McDonald’s Saipan evolves.

As consumers become more health-conscious, so does McDonald’s Saipan, which offers a selection of healthy food choices such as salads, oatmeal, and fruit drinks. In fact, McDonald’s Saipan takes pride in the fact that their burgers and fries are cooked using 0 trans fat oil.

McDonald’s Saipan is also poised to install a new POS system that will make taking orders faster and more efficient. New menu items will also be introduced in the next few weeks and months.

McDonald’s Saipan is a known advocate of the youth, giving financial aid to schools and youth-oriented organizations like the Saipan Little League Baseball, Inc.

“Mr. Ayuyu really has a big heart for the children and will support any activity that will help them,” said human resource and marketing manager Ana Olaes.

For its 19th anniversary, McDonald’s Saipan has partnered with the Public School System to raise funds for public elementary schools. Students have until 2pm tomorrow to support their schools by presenting their school’s coupon for any purchase at both McDonald’s Saipan locations. The winning school will get the $8,000 grand prize. The awarding of prizes will be held at the Middle Road branch next week.

Marcia Ayuyu also credits McDonald’s Saipan’s accomplishment to its skilled and competent team. “Having a good crew just makes my job easier so I want to take this opportunity to thank them. They are instrumental to our success,” she added.

Francis Pacho, a crew member for four years, said he is happy to be a part of another successful year at McDonald’s Saipan, which he considers his second family.

Manny Corpuz, who started as a crew member and worked his way up to kitchen department manager, said 11 years with McDonald’s Saipan is a “remarkable” accomplishment.

“I’m very happy with my work because we have a very loving and caring boss. She coaches and motivates,” Corpuz said about Marcia.

Having a supportive management, Corpuz said, helps him fulfill his responsibility and satisfy customers at the same time.

McDonald’s Saipan is celebrating its 19th year with weeklong promotions. Anniversary specials include special discounts from March 11 to 17 for Oatmeal (any kind) for just $1.99, Cinnamon Melts for $1.99, and Happy Meal (any kind) at $3.99.

Buy a regular-sized McCafe Frappe Caramel and get the second one for only $0.99. For buyers of the Quarter Pounder Extra Value meal, they can get a second Quarter Pounder sandwich at $0.99. These specials are available on March 16 and 17 only.

Free bags or shirts will be given away, while supplies last, to customers with at least $20 purchase tomorrow as Hapi D’ Clown provides entertainment for lunch diners at the Middle Road branch.

“We at McDonald’s Saipan would like to thank the community for their continued patronage and we give our word that we will continue putting smiles on their faces in more years to come. Above all, we thank the Lord God for graciously showering us with the success that we enjoy after all these years,” said Marcia Ayuyu.