Congratulations to these top-tier members of the business community for their long-standing contributions to our islands.

In the current economic climate, companies on Guam and in the Northern Mariana Islands are proud to show their success and longevity in serving the people of our islands. Guam Business Magazine presents a handful of outstanding companies that are doing business in Micronesia celebrating important milestones in 2022. Through inspiration and dedication, each of them has managed to stay on course in a region that has seen more than its fair share of challenges for decades.

These leaders in their fields have ensured quality and reliability to consumers and businesses alike and have given back to the communities in which they do business, setting an example for others to follow. Guam Business is privileged to honor these companies' milestones and brings readers a special Corporate Anniversaries feature with a closer look at their endeavors.

TGI Friday’s
 

CAPTURING THAT “FRIDAY FEELING” FOR 25 YEARS

After much anticipation, TGI Friday’s opened its doors in Guam on Feb. 28, 1998. The iconic brand is a firm favorite on the island.

The restaurant was successful from the beginning, due to its now-famous menu.

Lerma Aquino, secretary and Guam business director; says “We take pride in making sure every guest leaves happy by sharing that ‘fun Fridays’ feeling. We pride ourselves on great service and great food.”

As it celebrates its 25th anniversary, TGI Friday’s has a dedicated team of 43 employees.

Its key executives are Daisuke Suzuki, president; Shoya Watanabe, vice president and Lerma Aquino, secretary and Guam business director.

TGI Friday’s legendary dishes include its fully loaded potato skins, burgers made from prime cuts, grilled steaks, chicken wings, and its fall off the bone ribs. The menu also offers signature alcoholic drinks and smoothies.

“We also take pride in our Annual Bartending Competition, where bartenders show their talents in flairing bottles, while making best signature drinks,” Aquino says. “They also compete within the Asia Pacific region and worldwide,” she says. “We are proud of our kitchen staff for preparing great-tasting food and the welcome you can feel from all of us sthe minute you walk through our door.”

The restaurant’s casual atmosphere and popularity for family dining continue to be a hallmark of TGI Friday’s.

Its staff are also an essential part of the restaurant’s growth and a popular place for Guam’s students to work. “We love to train fresh students and graduates,” Aquino says. “We even provide on-the-job training.”

That’s unique at TGI Friday’s.  She says, “On the job training isn’t standard practice, but it can increase productivity and efficiency in specific industries. Not only that, it can benefit the company as a whole — from reducing training costs to creating more effective, motivated employees.”

Aquino says she is grateful for the outstanding support for TGI Friday’s in Guam. “Thank you for 25 years of Fun Fridays. Thank you for allowing us to serve you and serve the best drinks offered by our world champion bartenders.”