Java Joe’s rebounds after Sinlaku, Bavi damage

Java Joe’s has returned to regular operations after Super Typhoon Sinlaku caused major structural damage, flooding, and a monthlong power outage that forced the Saipan business to temporarily scale back its hours and menu.

Java Joe’s manager Kathleen Tolentino said Sinlaku dealt the heavier blow to the establishment, damaging its solar power system and allowing water into the building.

“Java Joe’s suffered major structural damage during Super Typhoon Sinlaku, including losing most of our solar panels for our solar AC unit and having our doors blown out, which caused heavy interior flooding,” Tolentino said. “We also lost power for four full weeks, resulting in the total loss of all our perishable inventory.”

The business remained closed for five days after Sinlaku while employees cleaned up the flooding, assessed the damage, and worked to secure supplies. It reopened on the sixth day, but shortages of basic necessities complicated efforts to resume operations.

“Island-wide resource shortages made obtaining ice, water, and gas an everyday struggle that required waiting in lines for hours early in the morning,” Tolentino said.

With Commonwealth Utilities Corp. power unavailable for four weeks, Java Joe’s operated on a split schedule from 9am to 1pm and 4pm to 8pm and offered a simplified menu based on ingredients and supplies it could reliably obtain. During the outage, the business also allowed customers and noncustomers alike to use the establishment to charge phones and other devices.

Java Joe’s restored its standard business hours after CUC power was reconnected last May 10. Tolentino said reopening was also important for employees, many of whom were dealing with typhoon damage at their own homes.

“So many local businesses were forced to close, but even with limited resources, it was vital for us to open so our staff could work and bring home income for their families,” she said.

Tolentino said Bavi caused considerably less disruption to Java Joe’s, noting that Saipan did not take a direct hit from the storm. The business reopened a day after Bavi passed, initially on limited hours because electricity in the area remained unavailable for three days. It resumed regular hours once power was restored.

Although Java Joe’s is again operating its regular hours, Tolentino said the economic effects of the storms continue to be felt. Higher gasoline prices have pushed up ingredient costs, while damage sustained by local suppliers has contributed to limited inventory across the supply chain.

Those challenges have also led Java Joe’s to hold off on introducing new promotions or menu items.

“Instead, we are completely focused on maintaining the quality, consistency, and stability of our regular menu for our community,” Tolentino said.

Java Joe’s is located along Chalan Monsignor Guerrero in Dandan, across from Joeten Supermarket. The cafe is open daily from 7:30am to 8pm. For more information, call (670) 235-5098.