Puesto Grill eyes catering revival as federal workers leave Rota

After enjoying a 30% increase in sales from federal personnel deployed to Rota following Super Typhoon Bavi last July, Puesto Bar and Grill is now banking on its catering and function hall business to make up for the loss of customers as disaster recovery operations wind down.

Puesto Grill partner Jesusa Bautista Calvo, better known as Jessie, said personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Small Business Administration, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and other federal agencies helped sustain the restaurant after the typhoon caused an estimated $7,000 in damage to its two buildings.

Calvo said the restaurant's main building sustained less than $2,000 in damage, including a blown-off second-floor door and damaged equipment, while repairs to its nearby function hall were estimated at around $5,000.

Despite the damage and power outages, Puesto Grill was able to continue operating through its partnership with World Central Kitchen, which tapped local restaurants to prepare meals for typhoon survivors.

Calvo said the humanitarian organization had previously worked with Puesto Grill following Super Typhoon Sinlaku in April and again enlisted its services after Bavi.

For about two weeks, the restaurant's employees were kept busy preparing meals for affected residents, providing income even while regular operations were suspended.

“So even though we're closed, we're still operational, and the crew were like so busy,” she said.

After World Central Kitchen wound down its feeding operations, Puesto Grill reopened to regular customers using a generator to power its refrigerators and freezers.

Calvo said the restaurant encouraged takeout orders because air conditioning was unavailable, although customers could still dine inside. Food supplies continued arriving from Saipan, allowing it to maintain its regular menu.

Business received another boost when federal disaster recovery personnel began frequenting the restaurant, particularly during breakfast.

Calvo said some workers would arrive before the restaurant opened at 6am, while others came in groups after completing their shifts.

“They're all coming in as a group, and that's a good, a huge help,” she said.

She estimated that the influx of federal workers increased sales by approximately 30%, helping the restaurant remain financially viable during the recovery period.

However, the additional customers began disappearing in mid-October as federal personnel gradually left Rota, with most departing by the final week of the month.

With the temporary boost gone, Calvo said Puesto Grill is turning its attention to reviving its catering operations and function hall, which can accommodate about 100 people.

The facility sustained broken glass panels and damaged doors during Bavi and remained closed because of repairs and the lack of electricity. Power was restored only shortly before Calvo's Nov. 1 interview.

Before the typhoon, Calvo estimated that catering and functions accounted for about half of Puesto Grill's revenue.

She said the restaurant has already received four requests for quotations, mostly for government workshops requiring larger venues, and hopes these will translate into actual bookings.

The approaching Christmas season could also provide additional business, although Calvo acknowledged that government agencies are trying to contain expenses.

Aside from catering, Puesto Grill plans to expand its menu of Filipino, Chamorro, and American dishes to attract more local customers.

Two additional cooks from the Philippines are expected to arrive Nov. 20, and Calvo said she has encouraged them to explore new dishes that could be offered at the restaurant.

Established in 2021, Puesto Grill has weathered successive typhoons and the challenges of operating in Rota's limited market.

Calvo credited careful financial management, customer feedback, and the loyalty of residents for helping the business survive.

She said many of the restaurant's customers have continued patronizing Puesto Grill despite the island's economic difficulties.

“I'm so thankful that no matter what, they always show up every day,” she said.