MARIANAS Variety: Tell us about your McDonald’s journey so far. How did you start it?
Joe Ayuyu: “McDonald’s on Saipan was founded on March 18, 1993. I applied with McDonald’s Corporation to be the first person to open a McDonald’s restaurant in the Northern Mariana Islands. Prior to me opening the restaurant, I had observed that many of our Saipan residents were bringing back to Saipan McDonald’s food whenever they visited Guam. So while working for Hakubotan, a Saipan-based duty-free store as its general manager, I decided to explore the idea of owning a McDonald’s restaurant. When the opportunity came up, I agreed to be a franchisee. As a first-time franchisee, I did not have any restaurant background so I really had to learn the business from the ground up. For two years I had to fly to Guam every weekend for in-store training at my expense. It was difficult because at the time I was also just starting to have a family with kids. But my perseverance and dedication helped me.”
Of all the famous fast-food brands, why did you choose McDonald’s?
“McDonald’s is well known as a leader in the fast-food business. I was also looking for a business that catered to families. I really like McDonald’s business model. It’s very progressive and innovative.”
Tell us about the challenges you experienced back then.
“It was most difficult not having a solid background in running a restaurant. I had to put in countless hours learning the business. When I signed up to be a franchisee, McDonalds was very specific that I had to put in the time and effort to make the business successful.”
How many employees did you originally have in your first year?
“Around 120.”
How many do you have now on Saipan? And how many branches?
“Close to 100 employees at two locations, one on Middle Road in Chalan Laulau and the other in Garapan located inside a Mobil gas station.”
What do you believe is the key to making a business successful?
“Hard work, dedication, creativity, solutions-oriented, finding and training the right people.”
How do you and your wife (McDonald’s Vice President and Owner/Operator Marcia Ayuyu) manage your time as businesspersons and your personal life?
“It’s difficult but we do the best we can by dividing up the things we need to do. Early on when the kids were young, my wife stayed home and took care of them. As they grew old, I asked her to help me out by getting the necessary training to become the general manager and run the day-to-day operations of the business while I oversee operations, back office financials, procurement of products, training, publicity and positioning the company to grow into the future.”
How do you ensure that customers receive the best service and that your branches are compliant with international standards?
“McDonald’s is well known for having high standards in running its restaurants. The two restaurants on Saipan are no different. Our employees are well trained to provide the best quality food, services, and nice up-to-date restaurant environment so people can enjoy themselves while dinning in the restaurant. The training program that McDonalds provides is the best in the industry.”
What’s your message to your vendors?
“Thank you for being partners with McDonald’s in providing the products that we need to produce the food that our customers want. Without your attention and dedication in working with us to take care of our customers, we will not be here. I especially thank Herman’s Bakery and Coke for being our very long time partners in providing us the buns and drinks for our meals. We have been doing business together from day one since I opened the first McDonald’s on Saipan.”
What is your message to the community?
“Our family are extremely thankful for all the support we receive from community members who have been coming to our restaurants throughout the years. Our commitment to the community is to be the best in what we do by providing good food, service and good environment at affordable prices.
“Thank you for allowing McDonald’s to continue to prosper with your support. Our commitment is to serve you the best we can.”
Joe Ayuyu