1 day Ago By By Jojo Santo Tomas Pacific Daily News
Visitors to the Micronesia Mall in Dededo can get an instant taste of Japan at the newly opened Bread Bar Okayama Kobo. It's local operator, and franchise founder and training chef from Japan, as well as local leaders the VIPs cut the ribbon on Friday to officially open the doors to the public. "We are happy to bring healthy, delicious, preservative free, Japanese style bread to Guam.
We are proud of the bread by Okayama Kobo, as it elevates the quality of bread and food offerings on island," said Jeselyn "Gigi" Tan Yu, president and chief executive officer for Goodwind Development Corporation, which owns both Bread Bar and the mall where it operates. Rene Lao, executive director of Goodwind, said Bread Bar is the company's second bakery, joining American Bakery as just two of its many Guam holdings. "It's one of the top-quality brands that we're bringing in, top-of-the-line Japanese baking.
A lot of planning was involved, and training. Once we decided to get the brand Okayama Kobo, we came up with the name that we can call our own, Bread Bar," said Lao. "We actually sent three guys to Anaheim to train at the Okayama Kobo there, for two months.
After we formed our team of bakers, Okayama Kobo Japan sent over Chef Suzuki, the trainer, and the founder himself, Chef Kawakami Tsunetaka. It's his second visit here." Lao said that the flour used to make the ultra-light, super soft bread is sourced entirely from Hokkaido, Japan.
She said that reason makes the breads cost more to make, but the brand name rides on the quality of the flour, which is always additive- and preservative-free. "For us cost-wise, it's more expensive, but you get what you pay for. No preservatives so we advise that you eat it the same day.
Not all of the products are good for keeping until the next day but in case you need to, ask us. If you buy a half-loaf, for instance, you can freeze it. But there are no preservatives, so don't expect it to taste the same the day after it's made.
" Chef Tsunetaka said that the Guam store was the 400th store he helped open, and has most of them in Japan. He also had three in the U.S.
, including two in California and one in Hawaii. Other international locations include stores in Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, India and Indonesia. Next week, it's off to New Zealand to open Store No.
401. Tsunetaka said that he thinks the Guam location is "special", and he especially likes the Micronesia Mall because "everything. It's just so big, with room.
" His curry buns will likely be the most popular, he said. The other specialties come in rolls, filled buns, paninis, and bread by the sandwich loaf. Most items on the menu are betwen $3.
50 and $5. There are sweet breads too, meaning even picky eaters are likely to find something they like. The Guam outlet will employ 15 people, said Tsunetaka.
The Bread Bar's vision statement declares it to be the premier destination on Guam for the freshest, warmest and most authentic Japanese bakery products, offering a modern artisanal experience that blends traditions with Guam's local charm - and a piece of Japan in every slice..
