Guam offers virtual golf, Korean snacks and party favors to enjoy
by Althea Engman Journal Staff
An estimated $1 million was invested into Golfxpresso, Guam's newest spot for golf enthusiasts or those who are interested in learning without having to worry about the weather or cost of a round of golf.
Bobby Kim is one of three co-owners, along with Scott Cho and Alex Moon.
Golfxpresso in Tamuning offers golfers a unique experience. Photos by Althea Engman“I didn't start this to do something great; I started because I wanted to do something more enjoyable, and I don't want to dress it up any more than that. We didn't begin because we're exceptional in numbers, but because we believed in our intuitive feeling that we love it, and that it could also be a great business opportunity," Kim said.
Like many other businesses, there were permitting challenges.
"As you know, dealing with the necessary permits to start a unique business was a challenging task... step by step. You eventually reached the moment you had dreamed of starting the business," he said. The trio was determined to provide an unparalleled experience for Guamanians. They recently opened their golf business with a new concept — think Nintendo Wii on steroids — that they believe will encourage more people to check out the sport while also improving the golf industry in Guam.
The simulator, imported from South Korea, takes you to a virtual golf course and sensors measure the speed, angle and efficiency of your swing to determine the distance, speed, and direction the ball goes. Golfxpresso has six open bays primarily for enjoying games and eight private practice ranges designed for lessons or personal drills at its Tamuning property in the former Siesta Café just off Marine Corps Drive. “In the private practice range, individuals can enjoy games alone, review their swing motion in a cool and pleasant environment not possible in outdoor driving ranges, and analyze important swing information such as shot trajectory, face angle, spin rate, and more while practicing on your own," Kim said.
Additionally, customers can get lessons "from our golf professionals,” Kim said.
Golfxpresso primarily rents bays by the hour for gaming and driving ranges for individual practice and lessons.
It offers 10-session coupons and memberships to make the driving range more affordable as well as prepaid cards that can be used to pay for all in-house services. As its name suggests, Golfxpresso also offers a menu with coffee and other beverages as well as snacks.
Kim said the partners plan to add golf club repair and fitting services in the near future, as well as extend ibusiness hours, so there is room for additional hiring. Currently, about nine people, including the three investors are working.
Color Days has opened a second party store in Harmon.Color Days II in Harmon is an extension to the original party store’s Mangilao location. It now offers a larger and wider selection of items.
Aimee Huang, Owner of Color Days; said she “wanted to open a second location to offer what we must sell for different areas in Guam. Mangilao is for those down south and central, while Harmon is for those who live up north. With more space in our second location, we look forward to selling more items and helping people with party supplies of all kinds.”
As customers walk into Color Days, they can expect party supplies from balloon arrangements, gift bags, decorations to items such as jewelry, jibbitz (shoe charms), stuffed animals and more. Huang said, “We hope people come visit our store if they are looking for party items of different themes.”
Inspired by Boongeoppang or Taiyaki, a Korean winter snack that is loved by many, Boongs Cafe, named after the snack Boongeo-ppang and located in Tumon, brings a new Korean snack to Guam and locals.
With an initial investment of more than $40,000 and 10 employees providing a welcoming atmosphere, Boongs Cafe brings the Guam community soft serve and Boongs/Taiyaki, which are fish shaped waffles.
Boongs Café brings a Korean snack to the Guam market.Customers can choose from the seven flavors of Boongs/Taiyaki from sweet boongs like Nutella, red bean, custard, sweet potato, and cinnamon and savory boongs like pizza and honey butter corn cheese.
The café offers soft serve flavors from Vanilla, Chocolate, Matcha, Chocolate and Vanilla Swirl with cone fillings, as well as cereal toppings of fruity pebbles, cocoa pebbles, or frosted flakes.
Jenny Song, owner of Boongs Café; said there are plans to expand the ice-cream flavors and Boongs flavors. Games are available at the store and all generations can enjoy dessert while playing games. She said, “We serve fresh boongs every day for readers and potential customers to have a great Boong’s day.” mbj
