Tomhom : A Restaurant with Heart and a View
Written by Myracle Mugol , Guam SBDC Business Advisor / BOG WIB Program Coordinator
Tomhom , a restaurant based in Tumon , Guam , is not just about serving delicious food ; it ’ s about making a difference in the lives of its workers and the community while taking a sustainable approach . We had the privilege of sitting down with the owner , Tewid Mario Meresbang , to learn more about his journey and the vision behind this remarkable restaurant .
Tewid Mario Meresbang , brings a unique blend of experiences to the table . He shared , “ I have experience working at a few restaurants and kitchens , including time at Little Caesars shortly after high school and later as a prep cook and kitchen helper at a fine-dining restaurant in San Francisco . I also have experience in prep cooking on several Coast Guard ships and hold a Bachelor ’ s in Business from the University of Arkansas .”
But what inspired him to venture into the restaurant industry ? Tewid explained , “ What motivated me to get into the restaurant business was the desire to help hardworking restaurant staff who often struggle with low wages . I wanted to change that by providing better wages and benefits . Restaurants have the power to transform our health and environment by offering healthy , locally-sourced meals and supporting local farmers , reducing our reliance on imported food and carbon emissions .”
A Taste of Guam with a Unique Twist , is how to describe Tomhom . It ’ s cuisine is a blend of flavors inspired by CHamoru culture . The menu features dishes like tofu hagun suni , kadon pika nachos , tinala katne nachos , and the famous fiesta plate comprising red rice , bar-b-q chicken , and ribs . Vegetarians and vegans can also savor the variety offered .
Business Name : Tomhom Grill & Bar Owner ( s ): Tewid Mario Meresbang , Joseph Certeza and Ana Won Pat-Borja Type of Business : Restaurant , LLC Location : 1010 San Vitores Rd Tumon , Guam Hours of Operation : Thurs to Mon 4pm to 10pm but we are open any time for private events . Contact information : ( 671 ) 647-5858 , email @ tomhomgrillnbar . com
But what sets Tomhom apart are the unique features it offers . Tewid proudly shared , “ We have a spacious outdoor mezzanine dining area on the second floor with a breathtaking view of Tumon and its stunning sunsets . Live music is a regular feature , with island , reggae , and cha cha music every Thursday and Friday . Our venue space is one of the best in Tumon , accommodating various private events , from cocktail socials to birthdays and fundraisers .”
To distinguish itself further , Tomhom is committed to community engagement and sustainability . Tewid explained , “ We aim to focus on the community ’ s needs by offering creative and affordable options for renting our space and supporting fundraisers . We also showcase talented musicians from across Oceania . Our vision is to be a leader in business operations that benefit the community . We focus on improving our ingredient sources , promoting inclusivity in our events and dinner shows , and reducing our carbon footprint .”
When discussing the rewards and challenges of owning a business , Tewid highlighted the unique difficulties faced by the restaurant industry in Guam . “ The landscape of the restaurant industry here is challenging . We ’ ve had to adapt continuously to figure out what works . Offering our space for private events , dinner shows , and live music events has been crucial to supplement dine-in revenue . The challenge lies in constant assessment and adaptation .” However for Tewid , the most rewarding aspect of owning a restaurant is clear : “ Bringing the community together to eat , laugh , share stories , and make memories .”
As an active client with SBDC Guam , Tewid recommend these resources to those interested in starting a business or expanding : “ The Small Business Development Center ( SBDC ) is a great resource . They connected us with experts who understood the market and were instrumental in developing our business plan . The Small Business Administration ( SBA ) was also very helpful , offering valuable resources . Guam Green Growth is an inspiring organization leading efforts for a sustainable future .”
Tewid expressed his gratitude for the support he ’ s received , saying , “ I ’ m fortunate to have two incredible co-owners who came on board to support the venture : my partner , Joseph Certeza , and our dear friend , Ana Won Pat Borja .”
Tewid had some valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start or buy a restaurant . “ Talk to people in the industry and develop a solid business plan . Seek guidance from those who care about the environment and community empowerment . Build a network of supportive individuals to help you make informed decisions . Have a clear goal driven by a strong reason that keeps you motivated . Look for like-minded partners to collaborate with .”
Tomhom isn ’ t just your typical restaurant – it ’ s a living example of how great food , community connection , and eco-friendly choices can come together . Tewid Mario Meresbang ’ s dream for Guam ’ s dining scene shows his genuine passion for making a real difference , one meal at a time .
3 PACIFIC BUSINESS PARTNERS DECEMBER 2023