Oteph’s BBQ opens in Chalan Kanoa

Another barbecue joint has opened on Saipan, this time in the village of Chalan Kanoa. Oteph’s BBQ opened shop last Dec. 4 just in time for the holidays.

Michelle Olita, who owns and operates the business with her husband, Jun, said that opening their barbecue stand on Dec. 4 was no coincidence as the number is special to their family.

“No. 4 is a very lucky number for us, because my youngest son, Jyosef, was born on June 4,” she said, adding that their son is also the inspiration behind the store’s name; Oteph is his nickname.

“We decided to open up a barbecue business because we know that barbecue is very popular at catered events, festivals, birthdays, or just a simple family dinner. I…love food and love cooking, and we know that there’s a lot of barbecue enthusiasts on Saipan that’s always on the lookout for restaurants or places that serves good food and the best barbecue meals. And Oteph’s BBQ is one of them!” she said.

Oteph’s BBQ currently sells barbecue to-go only, but wants to expand to dine-in if the business prospers, according to Michelle.

Aside from the usual barbecue mainstays like pork and chicken, Michelle and Jun’s barbecue outlet also offers chicken inasal, grilled squid, lechon belly, pork liempo, pork ears, crispy pork sisig, beef intestine, and deep-fried barbecue chicken.

Michelle admits that Saipan is an increasingly competitive environment, especially when it comes to food or barbecue, but encourages everyone to taste their offerings to fully appreciate Oteph’s BBQ’s unique taste and flavor, aside from getting more bang for the buck.

“We live on a very small island but you can find numerous barbecue stands and restaurants. What we can offer at Oteph’s BBQ are quality serving, tasteful menu, and affordable prices. We not only cater barbecue, we also have snacks, refreshing drinks, and complete sumptuous meals.”

Aside from having an entrepreneurial mindset, Michelle said her passion for cooking also led to Oteph’s BBQ. “I love food and love cooking. Cooking for my kids and my family has always been my source of happiness. So I thought, why not convert it to a business?” she said.

Oteph’s BBQ is located along Francisco St. corner Lucia St. in Chalan Kanoa District 1 and it is open from 3pm to 10pm daily. Starting Jan. 1, 2020, the barbecue stand will be open from 11am to 10pm, Monday-Sunday.

For advance orders and inquiries, call Michelle and Jun at 488-0722 or 588-5509.