McDonald’s Guam and Saipan owners host New Year’s party

The New Year’s party of McDonald’s Guam and Saipan owners Jose “Joe” and Marcia “Ruri” Ayuyu had a grand fireworks display that could rival most hotels on the island. (MARK RABAGO)

McDonald’s Guam and Saipan owners Jose “Joe” Ayuyu and Marcia “Ruri” Ayuyu once again welcomed the New Year with a festive gathering of family, friends, and business associates at their Papago home last Jan. 1.

The New Year’s party had everything—entertainment from local artist Marvin Deleon Guerrero, a nice buffet spread, and a grand fireworks display that rivaled the ones set off by the island’s leading hotels.

McDonald’s Guam and Saipan owners Jose “Joe” and Marcia “Ruri” Ayuyu and their children welcome their guests at the New Year’s party last Jan. 1.(MARK RABAGO)

The couple’s son, Joe Ayuyu Jr., started the evening’s activities by welcoming everyone who graced the New Year’s party.

“Those who traveled far and many miles away thank you for being here to share this first day together with us and our loved ones and friends… We hope everyone had a great 2022 and we look forward to spending 2023 with all of you guys,” he said before asking everyone to raise their glasses for a Happy New Year toast.

Marcia also seconded her son when she welcomed everyone to the event, which they’ve been hosting for the past 20 or so years.

Local artist Marvin Deleon Guerrero provided the evening’s entertainment.(MARK RABAGO)

“The whole year 2022 went by so fast and we’re looking forward to spending time with you again at the end of 2023. Thank you so much for being here tonight as it means a lot to me and my family.”

The Ayuyu matriarch went on to say that 2022 was truly a blessed year for the local franchise holder of the McDonald’s fast food restaurant in the Marianas.

The reopening of the newly refurbished and modernized McDonald’s Middle Road store was one of the highlights of 2022 as far as the company was concerned.

The Chalan Kiya location’s $2-million renovation happened in phases. The first part involved giving the lobby a more modern look and installation of self-serve kiosks and was completed last Jan. 8.

The second phase was the construction of the two-lane drive-thru and upgrading the outdoor digital menu board, while the last phase called for bringing in new equipment for the kitchen, training the staff on the new system, and the return of the mobile order pay.

On a more socio-civic side, Ayuyus established the Jose and Ruri Ayuyu Foundation in 2022 and hosted yet another successful 2nd Annual McDonald’s Golf Classic with a sold-out field of 144 participants.

“We also now have three grandkids as well as celebrating other [McDonald’s] stores renovating in Guam,” added Marcia.

As for 2023, the McDonald’s Guam and Saipan owners are already looking forward to the 30th anniversary of the aforementioned Middle Road store and Marcia’s very own birthday in February.