World Resort launches ‘Rush Hour 799’ mini-buffet at Red Box resto

Saipan World Resort on Friday welcomed VIPs and several members of the media to the opening of its lunch buffet, Rush Hour 799, which is geared toward the local market, specifically the working class.

As its name suggests, the buffet costs a mere $7.99 but it avails diners a wide selection of entrees and desserts. It also has a soup corner and a salad bar to boot.

The hotel’s public relations manager, Carmen C. Cabrera, thanked everyone who attended the soft opening at Red Box and invited the public to have their lunch at Rush Hour 799 today, May 12, when it formally opens.

“I’m very pleased with the turnout. I’m very pleased with the response that we got from the guests we have invited. They’re happy that we came out with this, especially with the ever-rising costs we have. We have to be mindful of that as a hotel about our community needs and that we do think about them.”

Among those who graced the soft opening were Gov. Benigno R. Fitial, Finance Secretary Eloy Inos, senior policy adviser Ray Mafnas, and press secretary Charles Reyes.

Cabrera said that World Resort came up with the Rush Hour 799 concept to meet the demand for tasty but healthy selections of entrees at a price that guests can afford.

“Rush Hour 799 is catered and designed for the working class because they only have one hour for lunch. So you rush out of work, your clock starts ticking. You go out and get your meal and you make sure it’s a good one and it’s affordable and healthy. Those things don’t need to be compromised so we came out with Rush Hour 799 where you can come, get your food, eat, and go.”

World Resort F&B manager Das Krishnan echoed this. “We wanted something that the locals can patronize, especially with the economy being down. We want to introduce something that people can afford to come out and enjoy their meals.”

Cabrera added that the increased activity at its main restaurant, The Buffet World, also was a factor in World Resort launching Rush Hour 799.

“Our restaurant has been very busy because of our occupancy level so we cannot forget that there is still the local community that does come in and eat and they have to stand in line because we are very busy so that’s one of the reasons why we came out with this concept. It’s for the local market.”

While Red Box can accommodate only 40-50 people, Cabrera said the unique thing about the mini lunch buffet concept is that customers don’t necessarily have to eat at the outlet.

“You can get your food and eat outside and enjoy the fresh air and great scenery. You have the option to eat inside or outside,” she said.

At only $7.99 per head, Cabrera said World Resort does not expect to make a killing out of the Rush Hour 799 concept.

“Our real reward is when we see people smiling after they eat—because they are full, they were able to afford it, and they’re satisfied.”

Aside from the affordable price and sumptuous entrees, frequent diners can expect different types of cuisine from Monday to Sunday.

“What we’re trying to do is if we have fried rice today we will not have the same thing the next day. In the soup corner, today you have tong yam, tomorrow it could be sinigang or some other kind of soup. Everyday is going to be different,” said Krishnan.

Rush Hour 799 is open from 11am to 1:30pm at the Red Box.

“I want everybody who works to come over and enjoy our mini lunch buffet and give me some comments about what they think of our Rush Hour 799 concept.”

In related news, World Resort has partnered with CHC Volunteers Association, though Rush Hour 799. Cabrera said the hotel will launch a penny drive where all proceeds will go to the CHC Volunteers for their projects.