OPENING a steakhouse during the still raging global Covid-19 pandemic may seem ambitious to some, but longtime CNMI restaurateur Steve Jang beat the odds with the opening of his second restaurant, Plumeria Steakhouse, Wednesday evening.
Located right next to Summer Café, a popular Garapan cafe that also belongs to Jang, Plumeria Steakhouse serves steaks, sandwiches, salads, pizza, and pasta.
Accomplished Executive Chef John Imperial, formerly of Fiesta Resort Saipan, World Resort Saipan, Grandvrio Resort Saipan and Naked Fish Bar & Grill, leads the culinary team.
Carefully preparing the menu under the guidance of Plumeria Steakhouse owner Jang, the executive chef said he was inspired by his love of family.
“I am a father. My family is always behind me. That’s why I make great food so delicious, ”said Imperial.
The executive chef added that he also couldn’t produce such delicious dishes without the strong team at Plumeria Steakhouse.
“I couldn’t work well and couldn’t make good, high quality food without our kitchen team,” he said, expressing his gratitude to the steakhouse owner and all of the staff.
In preparation for the grand opening, Imperial noted that the process was tiring, but “completely” worth it, especially given the positive customer reviews.
“Our whole team is like family. Everyone helped and worked hard with the preparations, and I love it. Thank you everyone. I hope people will come and visit us and try our food, ”he said.
Plumeria Steakhouse opened in mid-June, transforming what was once a Japanese restaurant into the booming business it is today.
Named after the CNMI state flower, the steakhouse now connects to Eté Café and features a bar, unique indoor and outdoor seating areas, as well as an on-display WWII plane, which, according to the owner of the restaurant, is linked to the rich history of the island. .
Jang expressed his admiration and affection for the local people and culture, noting that he fell in love with the islands decades ago because he was drawn to its uniqueness.
“This grand opening is something I wanted to do to thank the community and the people who have helped me over the past 10-20 years. I invited these friends to come together and celebrate, ”he said.
The owner of the business said he was extremely grateful to his staff, from the waiters to the culinary team, for putting their heart into the food they prepare and serve.
“I am very lucky to have them,” he said.
Running a business amid the economic downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic is difficult for all business owners, he added.
“But we all have to eat, don’t we? Jang said with a smile, adding that the food and beverage companies are “the right businesses right now” as the tourism industry is still recovering.
What sets Plumeria Steakhouse apart from other food and beverage companies is the emphasis on service and quality of the food, Jang noted.
He shared that Plumeria’s signature rib eye steak is one of the steakhouse’s most popular dishes.
“Our special seasoning and cooking the sirloin steak are also very, very popular with our customers. We also have very good pasta, pizzas and salads. Our executive chef is particularly good with different types of pasta. We have a variety of foods on our menu that people can enjoy. I hope people will at least come and try our food, ”Jang said.
“I’m just so grateful to the community that made me stay on this beautiful island. I like people. They are always so welcoming and kind. I have lived in the United States for a long time. When I came to visit Guam and then Saipan, I found the people to be so friendly and so friendly. I fell in love with it. I am very grateful to them, ”he said.
Among those attending the inauguration were Governor Ralph DLG Torres, First Lady Diann T. Torres, Speaker of the House Edmund S. Villagomez and various government, business and community representatives.
The governor congratulated and thanked Jang for this investment in the CNMI community.
“We know he’s been here for a long time. He is a good business partner. Just opening a steakhouse for him is not only good for our tourists, who will be arriving soon, but also for our people here in the heart of Garapan, ”he said.
“I hope other companies will see that even Mr. Jang has taken the initiative to invest here. I welcome and invite other investors to come to CNMI and continue to make these investments, ”he added.
