New offerings join the Guam business landscape and family-owned businesses thrive

BY KATIE AIZON
Journal Staff

Guam's retail and restaurant industry is welcoming first time and family-owned businesses.

La Abuela’s Shop officially opened at the Compadres Mall in Harmon on Sept. 5 and is one of several businesses the Cabrera family operates in Guam and in the Philippines.

Julia Cabrera, daughter of La Abuela’s Shop owners, Maria Dulce and Rommel Cabrera, said the store is the family’s latest retail venture named in honor of Cabrera’s grandmothers Salvacion “Sally” Cabrera and Clarita Toledana.

“The name is dedicated to my grandmothers, Lola Sally and Lola Clarita, because they spent much of their time trying to make sure we lived good lives,” she said. “They worked hard to be able to get us here and we thought, ‘Why not dedicate the store to the women who paved the way?’”

Cabrera’s grandmother, Sally Cabrera established Sally’s Queen Garment and General Merchandise at the Compadres Mall in 1999 after moving to Guam. The business transitioned into Rommel General Merchant in 2010 after Cabrera’s father took over and still operates inside of the mall’s Grand Bazaar. Cabrera’s mother and father also operate small businesses in the Philippines.

Cabrera said, La Abuela’s Shop and Rommel’s General Merchant function as a one-stop shop. However, unlike the family’s Grand Bazaar stall, La Abuela’s larger space gives the family the opportunity to offer more variety and elevate shopping experiences.

“A lot of the dresses, skirts, blouses, and sets are more prominently displayed here,” she said. “More people can see and appreciate them compared to [Rommel’s General Merchant].”

La Abuela’s is open from Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Paloma Haus, a boutique curating modern clothing essentials, had its soft opening on Sept. 19 at the Baltej Pavilion in Tamuning.

Sieyenna Quenga, owner of the boutique, said she decided in May she would open her dream business to provide the community with elevated clothing basics that would be fit for different events.

“It’s basically my style in a boutique,” she said. “My style is fashion-forward with elevated pieces and modern essentials I can wear for any occasion.” Clothing includes casual t-shirts and shorts.

Quenga said her previous work in marketing at Docomo Pacific taught her the skills necessary to open a business of her own by learning about customers, financials, and what is needed for a profitable business. She said the soft opening left her feeling grateful for the chance to join Guam’s business community.

“Seeing the amount of support from the community, especially as a new small business owner, made me happy. Everyone who stepped through the door made me feel grateful because it showed they were already thinking of my business.”

Paloma Haus, at Suite 114 of the Baltej Pavilion is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed on Mondays.

The newest restaurants in Guam include Grease Monkey Drive-In, a restaurant inspired by automotive culture. The restaurant, located at the SOMA Building in Tamuning, offers specialty sandwiches, hot dogs, fries, and salads. Temporary opening hours are from Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In a social media post, Grease Monkey Drive-In said hours are subject to change as the restaurant acquires more staff.

Hu Guaiya Minipancakes, also opened at the CHamoru Village, Unit 162, offering plain or flavored mini pancakes, malasadas, and mini donuts. Hu Guaiya Minipancakes is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is open until 9 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Dusit Place welcomed new outlets as part of its tenants and concept launches scheduled throughout the year.

Shogun Teppanyaki re-opened at Dusit Place on June 18 and offers customers several premium meat and seafood options to choose from that are prepared for customers in live cooking demonstrations. Shogun Teppanyaki is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

New Era, operated by Authentic Distribution and Retail Inc., had its grand opening on Sept. 19 and offers official major sports league and premium branded headwear, apparel, and accessories. New Era is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

SRS Chrono, luxury watch retailer, also recently joined the Dusit Place family. SRS Chrono is open from Sunday through Thursday 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Aquarium of Guam, temporarily closed for renovations, is expected to re-open soon with new tenants Paradise Premium Fitness and GOYO to follow.

A new 76 Circle K gas station will be opening in Yigo on Marine Corps Drive between KFC and Joann’s Bakery. mbj