Triple J’s Super Fresh Market to close

Triple J Saipan Inc. said yesterday that its three-year-old Super Fresh Market in Chalan Kanoa will close effective April 30 as increased costs of labor and utilities, among other things, take their toll on virtually all businesses in the CNMI.

Bob Jones, chairman and chief executive officer of Triple J Saipan Inc., said in a statement last night that “after nearly three years of operating this grocery store, the company can no longer support the financial losses due to the continuing economic challenges in the CNMI, especially the increased cost of labor and utilities.”

“Super Fresh is a great looking retail store and we have taken pride in providing the local community the freshest produce, deli, bakery, dairy, and Certified Angus Beef. I truly wish this venture could have been successful but the economy of Saipan will not support the many retail grocery stores that are in operation today,” Jones said.

Douglas Brennan, president of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, said for a businessman as astute as Bob Jones to have to close one of his businesses “speaks volume of what’s happening here,” referring to the increased cost of doing business in the CNMI.

“This is a very sad day for the Marianas,” Brennan told Saipan Tribune in a phone interview last night. “It’s a sign of the times.”

Brennan, general manager of Microl Corp., said, “If the government doesn’t want to work with the business community, we would been endangered specie.”

Jones said he wishes to express his sincere gratitude to the Saipan community for its patronage in the last three years.

He also wishes to personally thank the 26 “dedicated employees who strived to provide the best customer service to Super Fresh Market’s clients.”

Jones said they will try to place as many employees as possible in their other companies or find jobs for them through their human resource department.

Although Super Fresh Market will close its doors on April 30, Triple J Five Star Wholesale Foods will continue to provide products to food service clients such as restaurants and hotels, and to retail customers as well.

“I have been doing business in the CNMI for over 45 years and look forward to continuing to serve the Saipan, Tinian, and Rota customers with our other businesses,” Jones said.

With over 150 employees in the CNMI, Triple J’s current businesses include automotive, wholesale foods, restaurants, housing, real estate holdings, business development, and construction.

Back in April 2009, Triple J opened Super Fresh Market at the former location of Carmen Safeway in Chalan Kanoa.

That was weeks after acquiring majority ownership of the famous Tony Roma’s and Capricciosa restaurants in Garapan.

At its opening, Super Fresh stated that its focus would be on a wide selection of the freshest produce and chilled products possible.

At the time, Jones said, “Every challenge creates an opportunity.”