‘Lucky’ Marvz Kitchen opens atop Saipan Vegas

Marvz Kitchen owners Marvin and Nylin Manahan didn’t let a bad hand ruin their dreams.

The food stall that offers Filipino-American cuisine got its start in Chalan Kanoa in early 2023, but had to abruptly stop operations due to the $27-million Beach Road rehabilitation project.

“After many years of work and hard financial decisions, the opportunity finally arose and we opened up Marvz Kitchen in Feb. 16, 2023 in CK. However, due to the construction that was ongoing in the area, it was short-lived as we had to close because of it. Yet opportunity found us yet again and we were able to open here at the Saipan Vegas just a few weeks ago,” said the Manahans’ son, Billy.

Obviously named after one of the owners, Marvz Kitchen relocated to its new location last Jan. 18—exactly the birthday of Marvin—and primarily serves as the restaurant for patrons of Saipan Vegas downstairs and the regular Bingo events at the adjacent room of the restaurant.

Since opening last month, the 100-seat restaurant’s bestsellers are its barbecued ribs (made from FDA-approved meat), cheeseburgers, and siopaos.

Daily specials for Saipan Vegas customers and walk-ins, meanwhile, vary from beef and pork tapa one day, to pancit the next day, and fried chicken and burger steak on another day.

The younger Manahan said what really sets Marvz Kitchen apart from other restaurants on Saipan is the cooking expertise his father brings literally to the table.

“It’s little bit of things of what my dad worked with over the years. My dad has an extensive history of working with food in hotels and restaurants on Saipan. So, he’s had a lot of experience making food and he really enjoys just cooking for people. It’s a passion that he’s discovered throughout his career,” said Billy.

Because it’s such a large venue, Marvz Kitchen is open for hosting large events and private parties (birthday, christening, baptism, gender reveals, etc.).

This coming Valentine’s Day, they’re cooking up a cross promotion with Saipan Vegas where an $80 Day of Hearts dinner package comes with a free Saipan Vegas Resort room and a complimentary glass of wine. Marvz Kitchen will also soon offer steak night using only FDA-approved Tinian beef. Currently, any $30 purchase at the restaurant gives customers a free play voucher for Saipan Vegas.

In a way, Marvz Kitchen is truly the culmination of the dreams and aspirations of their parents.

“They were always something of dreamers, like many others who sought better opportunities for themselves and to escape the situation they were in as children. Throughout most of their lives they’ve been hard at work striving to reach that goal, a better life, a better situation than the last, stopping at nothing and never accepting to be content, just continuous growth. Throughout these endeavors my father found a talent and passion for cooking, my mother found it in customer relations and business managing,” said Billy.

The persistence of Marvz Kitchen’s owners to pursue their lifelong dreams is a testament to their grit and determination that makes the CNMI’s current economic slump pale in comparison.

“It’s not often that an opportunity presents itself not just once but twice. Not many people get that chance and those who do aren’t always so fortunate. Despite the risks, despite the situation, if we had not tried and not continue our endeavors, we would have regretted never taking the chance at all,” said Billy.

Marvz Kitchen is located on the second floor of Saipan Vegas along Beach Road in Chalan Kiya. It’s open from 10am to 9pm, Monday-Saturday. For more information or for reservations, call (670) 785-4802, email marvzkitchenspn@gmail.com, or message them on Facebook: Marvz Kitchen.