By Joy White

Guam is home to a diverse selection of night-time eateries, serving everything from Chamorro to European to Asian cuisine. When it comes to keeping Guam’s diverse palate satisfied, restaurants have to be on their toes.

The attrition rate for restaurants on Guam is very high, says Ken Stewart, general manager of Tools of the Trade, who through 42 years of work in the restaurant industry and a passion for good food has come to be known as the Guam Food Guy. He says the point of danger is when restaurants reach about four or five years.

Restaurant owners face a number challenges to remain open, he says, including competition from name-brand restaurants or chains, meeting the public demand for quality food at a fair price, meeting overhead costs and much more. Factors ranging from parking to pricing can impact a restaurant’s longevity.

“Those who have remained open have [survived] these storms,” Stewart says.

While many restaurants in Guam have passed the 10-year mark, Guam Business chose 10 to highlight in this issue’s dining review. Stay tuned for other dining reviews in 2015.