Open and shut case Economic variations: The Matcha Tokyo opens, Tony Romas reopens; two others close
BY SKYLER OBISPO
Journal Staff
In Guam’s turbulent economic landscape, a new restaurant opens, and one restaurant is saved from permanent closure. Reflecting the difficulty of the economy, two businesses have closed doors.
As matcha continues to gain popularity among young, local consumers, The Matcha Tokyo hosted its grand opening at the Micronesia Mall on Nov. 24, the first store in an American territory or state.
The Matcha Tokyo was established in Japan on April 3, 2018, and has since expanded across Asia in places like China, the United Arab Emirates, and the Philippines.
Charles and Anna Paw — owners of all 22 Matcha Tokyo locations in the Philippines—also operate the brand’s new Guam outlet and the island’s Apple retailer, Beyond the Box. Charles Paw is the CEO of the Tasteless Food Group, and Anna Paw serves as its chief financial officer.
Anna and Charles Paw, owners of Matcha Tokyo with their staff at the Nov. 24 grand opening. Photo by Skyler Obispo
Charles Paw told the Journal the pair had acquired the space at the Micronesia Mall in 2024, but the buildout took about eight months with most of the material being imported to Guam.
The space measures roughly 1,200 square feet, he said, and features a bar, several booths, and a small corner for the cafe’s retail offerings.
The couple entered the matcha business through their love of Japan, visiting the country often. Adding The Matcha Tokyo to the Tasteless Group’s portfolio was only natural as they also manage several ramen shops and agachapon (Japanese toy) store in Manila, Charles Paw said.
The popularity of matcha among youths across Guam and the world stems from the taste and the health benefits it provides, Anna Paw told the Journal. “When you have matcha, there’s a little bit of caffeine there, [there’s no spike in energy],” she said. “It’s just very steady, very constant. It also has a relaxing effect on a person.”
Matcha is essentially a powdered Japanese green tea that is rich in antioxidants and according to researchers online, those antioxidants could help reduce the risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol, and improve cognitive functions.
Anna Paw said The Matcha Tokyo’s matcha are derived from plants grown in ideal conditions and the top one percent of leaves are picked and the matcha is 100 percent organic which she said sets their matcha apart from others.
“Our matcha is grown without compromise. Pure, clean, and true to nature,” she said.
Japan Consul General of Guam and matcha fan, Ueda Susumu, spoke at the grand opening. He reflected on the traditional uses of matcha powder, which are used in ceremonies, but said he is glad that it is now being enjoyed all over the world in different ways.
“The word matcha has become a universal word, a universal language,” he said.
Japan Consul General to Guam Ueda Susumu spoke at the opening of Matcha Tokyo. Photos by Skyler Obispo
Charles Paw said The Matcha Tokyo is continuing to grow in the Philippines with three more locations on the way and Anna Paw said the franchise is looking for another location in Guam. The couple said however, they may look to bring the gochapan store to the island in the future.
Tony Roma's is getting ready to reopen its doors at the Royal Orchid Hotel since closing in August.
According to the restaurant, the reopening was bought about by the team behind Boonies Barkade N Bistro, located just next door from the restaurant.
Tony Romas is expected to reopen towards the middle or end of December. Photo form Journal files
Dennis Lang, owner of Boonies, told the Journal Tony Roma’s is scheduled to open towards the middle or end of December.
Although still closed, the restaurant was able to serve its Thanksgiving to-go family platters during the holiday.
Håfaloha, the Guam and Hawaii inspired clothing and dessert shop, closed its Tumon location on Dec. 1.
The business first opened 13 years ago, launching its online store in 2013 and its first permanent store in Tamuning in 2015. In 2023, the business moved to its Tumon location.
“Running a small business on Guam has become increasingly challenging, especially with the rising costs and current state of our island’s economy,” Håfaloha said on social media. “These realities played a large part in this decision, and we want to be transparent and honest about that.”
However, the business is not closing permanently. It said it will continue to operate its online store and announce pop-up locations while it realigns and grows stronger for the future.
Håfaloha said its concert series may continue and the business is open to future opportunities “to bring people together under the Håfaloha spirit.”
Ka En Jyu Fun Chinese Dining restaurant closed on Nov. 30.
The restaurant said a number of factors contributed to the close which include “operations, staffing, and [the owner’s] physical capacity.”
Ka En Jyu opened roughly two years ago, taking over the former location of Table 35 in Tamuning. mbj
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The Guam Department of Public Works has released the full procurement record and evaluation documents used to select the highest-ranked proposer for the Simon Sanchez High School rebuild project.
According to President and CEO of the Guam Visitors Bureau Régine Biscoe Lee, visitors from Japan and Korea have rated Guam an eight out of ten on overall satisfaction.
