BY RIANNE PEREDO
Journal Staff
Mesa
Because of the pandemic, businesses have permanently closed on Guam because of many reasons — such as changing customer behaviors and factors beyond the control of business owners.
Movie theatres on-island reflect government regulations that have prohibited their re-opening, as well as industry factors.
Monte D.M. Mesa, general manager of Tumon Sands Plaza and Guam Premier Outlets — which houses a Regal Theater — told the Journal, “The national Regal Theaters are making temporary closures at different locations throughout the U.S., due to their respective local COVID 19 situations and and state policies.
“Our Guam Regal Theater is preparing their GPO location to be able to open under the approved [Department of Health and Social Services] social distancing protocol and disinfecting protocols, as well.”
Mesa said at present, GPO is just waiting to resume offering movies. “We are hoping that the governor will approve the opening soon for the movie theaters once the COVID 19 virus curve can be flattened under the current weekly testing results of 10% positive trend.”
Lanuza
Regal Theaters itself has already notified members of its rewards program that it is closing na-tionwide indefinitely, to include members in Guam.
The chain told Guam members, when Regal Theaters re-open, points that expired and other mem-bership perks like gift vouchers will be restored.
Francisco “Kit” Lanuza, general manager of Tango Inc., which does business as Tango Theatres, said he does not expect the Micronesia Mall location to reopen this year.
Lanuza said that major film companies have postponed movies set to premiere this year until 2021. “We are waiting for the final lease from the studios — what movies will be available. There seems to be one [November] movie, but that one will not be enough to sustain the business,” he said.
Photo courtesy of The Guam Brewery
Some of the movies that have been postponed include Cruella, Godzilla vs. Kong and The King’s Man.
Tango Theatres had a reopening plan prior to the movie postponements and second PCOR 1 announcement.
In October, Lanuza also confirmed that the Agana Shopping Center location would close permanently, after 14 years of business.
According to Journal files, Lanuza previously said most studios release blockbuster films between October and December, and peak time for movie theatres is between May and August.
The Guam Brewery Tap House — a sister company of The Guam Brewery — has temporarily closed its doors in Tumon.
Jay Merrill, co-owner of the Guam Brewery, said discussions of the relocation have not moved forward since the Tumon location’s closure. Merrill also said the focus has shifted to the Guam Brewery, which announced on Oct. 12 that Andrew Brunson is its new head brewer.
Editor’s Note: We welcome updates on businesses if they re-open or are doing other forms of business.
The Journal published an earlier list at www.mbjguam.com/2020/09/07/going-going-gone-business-closures, and is pleased to report that Thrifty Car Rental in Guam and Saipan continues in business, according to the company. mbj
