Triple J cuts ribbon for its Tinian developments

Triple J board chair and CEO Robert H. Jones, third from right, is joined by Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, third from left, and other dignitaries to cut the ribbon on new Triple J Tinian developments: the Tinian Western Lodge and Hertz Rent-A-Car office for travelers, the Bar-K-Diner & Drive-In last Friday, Feb. 12. (Contributed Photo)

Triple J hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Feb. 12, to officially open new Triple J Tinian developments: the Tinian Western Lodge and Hertz Rent-A-Car office for travelers, the Bar-K-Diner & Drive-In with take-away options for family platters, and also a Drive-In Lane that will serve breakfast, burger, and other sandwich options.

The Tinian Western Lodge has nine newly renovated rooms, each equipped with new furnishings, air-conditioning, bedding and other amenities. Upon entering the Tinian Western Lodge, guests are met with a warm welcome by staff members and a comfortable lobby designed for relaxation accompanied with a bar front connected to the Bar-K-Diner. The Diner operations hours are 7am to 9pm daily with breakfast options until 11am and thereafter an all-day dining menu including Bob’s Big Burger (8 oz. certified Angus beef) and Sirloin Steak (12 oz. certified Angus beef) plate with a baked potato and steamed vegetables.

For those who prefer a quick meal on the go, the Drive-In is also open daily between the hours of 7am and 9pm with breakfast, burger, and beverage options. Local residents can also call in and order Family Platters for take-away 30 minutes before pick up by calling (670) 433-0045. The Family Platters feed up to four to five people, featuring Bar-B-Q Ribs, Crispy Pork Belly and CAB Beef items.

“Over 35 years ago, Triple J made a promise to help improve the quality of lives and build better communities in the CNMI. I am proud to say today we continue to be passionately committed to that promise,” said Triple J board chair and CEO Robert H. Jones. “On Tinian, we saw a need for supplies and additional support for the community and military, so we took the initiative to fulfill that need.”

There’s more on the horizon. “We are also building a Five Star Wholesale store [that] will open in April for residents to have access to many more affordable products,” Jones said.

Led by Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, Mayor Edwin P. Aldan, and Tinian Legislative Delegation chair Sen. Francisco Q. Cruz (R-Tinian), more than 100 government officials, business leaders and guests joined in the ribbon-cutting celebration.

In his remarks, Aldan commended Jones and Triple J for reinvesting in Tinian, noting “The Jones family has been very good to the CNMI.”

Almost 50 years after Jones’ brother, Ken, ran the Bar-K Ranch on Tinian in the ‘60s and ‘70s, creating jobs and economic opportunities for the Tinian community, “Bob Jones has returned to Tinian to do the same,” said Aldan. “I would like to thank Bob Jones and the hardworking Triple J Enterprises management team and staff for your continued efforts in expanding your services to the people. Thank you for choosing Tinian to invest in and leading us towards growth and development for our island people. …It is certainly in our interest as leaders in this community to support efforts that allow for growth and development on Tinian to stimulate and revive our local economy.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was timed to coincide with the Tinian Hot Pepper “Pika” Festival, Tinian’s largest community event sponsored by the Marianas Visitors Authority.

For further information on lodge rates, call (670) 433-0044 and (670) 433-0045 for the Bar-K- Diner and (670) 433-0042 for Hertz Rent-A-Car office. (PR)