New McDonald’s opens in Yigo

The grand opening McDonald’s Yigo branch was held last Nov. 17 in the presence of, from left, Yigo Mayor Rudy Matanane, McDonald’s general manager Joe Ayuyu Jr., Saipan and Guam McDonald’s owners Joe and Marcia Ayuyu with their grandchild, Hanalei Moana Ayuyu, CNMI Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, and first lady Diane Torres. (Contributed Photo)

The McDonald’s chain of restaurants in the Marianas has opened a new branch at the corner of Route 1 and Chalan Kujuna in Yigo, Guam last Nov. 17, believed to be the first McDonald’s in Guam to have new and upscale exterior and interior décor that is aligned with its cotemporaries in the U.S. mainland.

Jose C. Ayuyu, president and owner of Saipan and Guam McDonald’s, is excited as this is no ordinary branch.

The exterior has a welcoming and inviting entry into the restaurant, a clear and identifiable double-lane and automated beverage system in the drive-through for enhanced service for on-the-go customers and bright digital menu boards.

The interior décor consists of comfortable lighting levels and fixtures that allow customers to have a pleasant dining experience and modern seating and furniture that includes booths, chairs, high seats and tables and lounge-style areas. Bright digital menu is also available indoors and free WiFi is a bonus.

“We’re changing with the times and we never stop looking for ways to improve,” said Ayuyu. “This new McDonald’s speaks to the needs of our customers and our community. …We want our customers to enjoy every part of the McDonald’s experience.”

McDonald’s Yigo branch taps into modern technology, enabling customers to have more choices in ordering their meals.

Aside from over-the-counter ordering, there are convenient and easy-to use touch order kiosks with four screens. After ordering from the kiosk, meals will be delivered at your table.

Ordering via mobile is now possible with the McDonald’s app. Use the app to order and pay on your phone and pick up the food at any McDonald’s. The restaurant will have a seating capacity for 52 customers and served by 70-75 employees.

In an earlier interview by Saipan Tribune with McDonald’s general manager Joe Ayuyu Jr., he said that Saipan and Guam’s economy are on the rise. “With this, there is a possibility to open more stores. I think we would look into that first before branching out into other businesses.”

“I haven’t talked to the boss about that, but what I can say about my dad is he is an entrepreneur as he is always looking for new things… We are just really proud of him. I know that his friends, family, and the people of Saipan are proud of what he’s done and what kind of example he sets for us,” Ayuyu Jr. added.

McDonald’s of Guam and Saipan are locally owned and operated by franchisees Joe and Marcia Ayuyu and is the leading food service restaurant chain in the Marianas, with over 500 employees. The organization opened in 1993 and currently operates eight McDonald’s branches: two on Saipan and six in Guam.

Ayuyu enjoys being part of the McDonald’s company and having a family-run business on Saipan and Guam.

Ayuyu and his wife, Marcia, are joined by their daughter Ashley Ayuyu in running the business in Guam as human resources director of McDonald’s.

McDonald’s Yigo branch’s double lane drive-through ensure fast and efficient service. (Contributed Photo)