Beauty, golf, groceries, cabinets, and caskets diversify NMI’s business landscape
BY MARK RABAGO
Saipan Correspondent
Even in a cautious economic climate, business activity across the Northern Mariana Islands is showing surprising pockets of resilience.
A mix of new ventures and revived establishments on Saipan and Rota is reshaping the local commercial landscape, demonstrating the entrepreneurial drive that continues to push through high operating costs, slow tourism recovery, and longstanding supply-chain hurdles.
The Bar — Beauty Bar & Barber
What began as a modest barber shop in April 2024 quickly evolved into one of Saipan’s newest full-service beauty destinations. The Bar — the name chosen to reflect both its beauty-bar concept and its serving of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages — is steadily carving out its niche by doubling down on grooming, self-care, and customer experience.
After expansion, The Bar in Garapan held its grand opening on Nov. 22. Photos by Mark Rabago
Co-owner Kat Coldeen said the business launched last year with strictly barbering services. “In April 2024, we started with just barber services.Then this year, around March 2025, we expanded our services to nails and hair services.”
The steady growth in demand and encouraging feedback from early customers — mainly family and friends — helped build momentum. Word-of-mouth drove a steady rise in regulars, culminating in the Nov. 22 grand opening of its expanded beauty bar.
ColdeenToday, The Bar offers a broad menu of grooming and beauty services: haircuts for men, women, and kids; hair dye and hair repair; scalp treatments; hair rebonding; blowouts; beard trimming; hot towel facial massages; and full nail services. Coldeen said the goal has always been to provide “a place where a person can pamper himself or herself because they had a hard day,” while also prioritizing hair and nail health.
Coldeen said she believes grooming remains a necessity—and self-care even more so.
“The Bar isn’t an ordinary salon. It’s a place to gather, a place to unwind, and a place where we value our customers’ hair and nail health.”
That experience is shaped by a small but seasoned team. The Bar’s barber chairs are helmed by Joe Antonio, who brings two and a half years of experience and specializes in taper and fade cuts and design work, and Gerald Loreno, a 17-year veteran known for fade cuts, long hair styles, and beard grooming. Providing full hair and beauty services is LJ Jasmilona, the salon’s hairstylist and beautician provides full hair and beauty services. Nail technicians are Anna Palacios and Shane Loreno.
Cleanliness and sanitation are priorities at The Bar. Coldeen said all staff are highly trained and the salon uses only high-quality, safe products — including a full line of vegan hair and nail offerings, with non-vegan options available for those who prefer them.
To mark its grand opening, The Bar plans to roll out a slate of promotions starting in December, including bridal and groomsmen packages, “girls day out” and “guys day out” bundles, and other themed self-care experiences.
Located at the LAK LLC Building in Garapan, The Bar is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reach The Bar via Facebook and Instagram at @thebarsaipan, or (670) 488-2270, or email thebarsaipan@gmail.com
Ocean Drive Golf
Ocean Drive Golf has officially teed off in Saipan, positioning itself as the island’s newest one-stop hub for all things golf. Opened on Nov. 3, the business is a father-and-son endeavor.
Located for convenience and designed for both seasoned players and curious beginners, Ocean Drive Golf blends professional services with a curated retail selection — an offering the Taylors say has long been missing in the local market.
For owners Jeffrey Taylor and his son, Luther, the business is the culmination of a lifelong dedication to the game. Jeff is The Bar Owner Kat Coldeen’s father and Luther her brother.
Jeffrey Taylor, a former college golfer in Florida, moved to Saipan in 1989 as head pro at Coral Ocean Point. Through decades, he became a central figure in the island’s golf community. He remains the only Saipan golfer to medal in the South Pacific Games, earning bronze in the 1995 SPG in Tahiti.
Ocean Drive Golf opened on Nov. 3, serving as a one-stop golf hub. Photos by Mark Rabago
After leaving Coral Ocean Point, he managed the golf retail and simulator division at Duty Free Shoppers, while also playing a key role in developing young talent through the Junior Golf Association. Many of his students went on to compete in college golf programs, and two reached professional qualifying stages. His decades of involvement and mentorship were formally recognized when he was inducted into the CNMI Sports Hall of Fame.
For his son Luther, building Ocean Drive Golf alongside his father is deeply meaningful. He said Jeffrey’s mentorship is the driving force behind the new venture. “My father sparked my passion for this sport. Everything I know began with him. Opening Ocean Drive Golf together is our way of sharing that passion and giving back to the community that supported him for so many years.”
The Taylors saw both opportunity and necessity and Luther said they believe golf in Saipan remains resilient, with a dedicated following that continues to grow. The island’s golfers, they say, have long lacked a centralized hub offering lessons, club fitting, repairs, simulator access, and quality retail under one roof.
Jeff and Luther Taylor“We opened with a long-term vision,” Luther Taylor said. “Even in tough economic times, the demand doesn’t go away. People still love golf, and they still need a place where they can learn, practice, and get the right equipment. In fact, during economic hardship, local, affordable recreation becomes even more important.”
Ocean Drive Golf aims to meet needs by emphasizing value, expertise, and a personal touch. The shop offers golf lessons tailored to all skill levels, from youth players to adults looking to lower their scores. Professional club fittings ensure golfers are using equipment suited to their swing, while comprehensive club repair services help keep gear in top form. The air-conditioned simulator has quickly become a popular refuge for golfers wanting to practice or enjoy a round without braving Saipan’s heat, allowing players to swing year-round regardless of the weather.
The retail section stocks a wide range of equipment, apparel, balls, shoes, and accessories. The selection includes premium brands such as Titleist and Ping, making the shop a convenient stop for golfers who need to grab gear before heading to the course.
The response from Saipan’s golf community has been overwhelmingly positive. Lesson bookings — both for adults and junior players—have been brisk. Club repair and fitting services have seen strong demand, and the simulator rental calendar has quickly filled. The shop’s convenient location has also made it a favorite pre-round stop for golfers wanting to pick up supplies or make quick adjustments to their equipment.
Ocean Drive Golf is open Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The Taylors appreciate the welcome they’ve received since launching the business and hope to expand their services and strengthen connections with local golfers.
“We’re deeply grateful for the incredible support the community has shown us. We look forward to serving Saipan’s golfers for many years to come and helping the sport continue to grow on the island.”
Ocean Drive Golf is located on the second floor of the LAK LLC Building in Garapan. For information, contact Facebook/Instagram @oceandrivegolf
CepedaPay-Less Fresh Market
After closing its long-running Pay-Less SuperFresh & Truckload store just weeks earlier, Triple J Saipan surprised customers by reopening on Nov. 21. The new Pay-Less Fresh Market occupies roughly one-third of the original space in Chalan Kanoa, but delivers what residents most demand — fresh produce, dairy, and Certified Angus Beef selections.
Charles V. Cepeda, general manager, said the public’s reaction to the closure made the company reconsider. Customers repeatedly asked, “Where are we going to buy meat now?” That concern, he said, convinced Triple Robert H. Jones, chairman of Triple J Enterprises Inc., to restore Pay-Less quickly.
The soft opening drew steady foot traffic from long-time shoppers, and is a plus, since the former store served as an anchor for surrounding shops.
Triple J is working on reestablishing a loyalty program, and shoppers can still redeem points accrued from the previous store.
Cepeda welcomed both returning and first-time shoppers to PayLess Fresh Market.
“To our loyal customers, thank you for the great pressure to return — even though we’re at one-third the size. …. We’re open for business, and we ask you to come in. For those who are new customers, this is a fresh new store,” he said.
PayLess Fresh Market is open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information, call (670) 234-1444 or email customercare@paylesssuperfresh.com
Island A-Heart Casket Business
On Rota, Juan "Pan" Tenorio Guerrero, who is also vice president of the Rota Chamber of Commerce, has expanded his retail shop, Island A-Heart, with a unique and essential addition: a casket business.
The idea grew from repeated requests to Guerrero to consider selling caskets locally, as funeral products on Rota often require expensive shipping from Guam or Saipan.
“Several requests from the aging community [asked] if I can bring and sell caskets and include payment plans at affordable pricing,” he said.
Juan "Pan" Tenorio Guerrero has added a casket service to his store in Rota. Photos by Mark Rabago
After researching suppliers, he partnered with Ada’s Mortuary in Guam and launched the business last Nov. 14 with more than 40 attendees present, including Rota Mayor Aubrey Hocog and Chamber president Charlene M. Ogo. The store now carries steel caskets from the Sunburst line in white, silver, teak wood, and other finishes.
Located in Songsong Village, the new division of Island A-Heart represents one of the few specialty retail expansions on Rota in recent years.
For more information Island A-Heart’s casket division, call (670) 488-1728.
GilesACME CNMI Holdings LLC
In Chalan Kiya, ACME CNMI Holdings LLC has been quietly building one of the most advanced small-scale manufacturing operations in the Commonwealth.
In the past year and a half, the company—led by General Manager William Giles—has developed a cabinetry production line geared to major military construction projects on Guam and eventually toward local housing needs and more.
The plant uses a modern CNC-driven fabrication process, allowing for high-precision cuts, rapid turnaround, and customizable designs. Its products include kitchen sets, closet systems, and bathroom cabinetry. All materials are sourced from mainland suppliers to comply with federal procurement standards, particularly the Buy American Act—a necessity when working with military contractors.
ACME is currently manufacturing nearly 100 units for Guam military barracks and housing facilities, reflecting the company’s growing role as a regional supplier. The option to ship orders fully assembled or flat-packed — similar to IKEA’s distribution model — gives contractors flexibility while cutting freight and installation costs. Giles said manufacturing represents an untapped economic path for the NMI.
“Tourism is important, but we need another industry to hang our hats on. Manufacturing could be our ticket.”
Originally from the U.S. mainland, Giles, who was formerly the vice president of Marianas Southern Airways, said he moved to Saipan in 2014 after being captivated by columns written by the late Tony Pellegrino, a long-time fixture in NMI commentary. Today, he said ACME’s steady growth is proof that local production—when paired with technology — can help diversify the commonwealth’s economy. ACME CNMI Holdings LLC is currently manufacturing furniture in Saipan. Photo courtesy of ACME CNMI Holdings LLC
ACME plans to open a retail showroom on Saipan next year to expand its presence in the local home-building and renovation market. The company also has a Guam office.
For more information, call (670) 789-3117 or 670-285-4745. mbj
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