Triple J looks for a fresh start with PayLess Fresh Market

11/24/2025 - Twenty-two days after shutting down PayLess SuperFresh & Truckload, Triple J Saipan, Inc. held a soft opening for its new PayLess Fresh Market last Nov. 21.

The new grocery and retail store occupies the same Chalan Kanoa location of its predecessor but is only about one-third the size of the former SuperFresh & Truckload.

Charles Cepeda, general manager of Triple J’s Five Star Wholesale—which previously operated the SuperFresh & Truckload store—said the launch of PayLess Fresh Market was driven by public demand.

“There is a big demand from our loyal customers. Even while we were planning the closing and talking to potential businesses taking over the retail store, every time we were on the floor, customers would ask, ‘Why are you guys closing? Where are we going to get our meat?’ Those were the biggest concerns.”

Cepeda said the owners, including founder and former CEO Robert H. Jones, along with the board, eventually decided to reopen a scaled-down version of the store—giving rise to PayLess Fresh Market.

“We went from SuperFresh & Truckload to just PayLess Fresh Market. And it’s all fresh—produce from Tinian, produce from the States, dairy, cheese, and what everybody’s always looking for: chilled meat. And our best meat on the island, Certified Angus Beef, CAB, is back in our display.”

As for loyalty cards from the former SuperFresh & Truckload, Cepeda said customers can still redeem their points, and that he hopes PayLess Fresh Market will eventually have its own loyalty program.

Edwin K. Propst, a loyal SuperFresh & Truckload customer before its closure, said he couldn’t wait for the opening and used his lunch break to visit the new store.

“We are so excited. It's beautifully set up, and once again, the butcher’s shop is open. They’ve got the best meats. We're pumped. We're very excited to see that Triple J has reopened. You know, we shop at all stores, but this has always been our place to go for meats and other things,” he said.

Another customer, Lee Taitano, shared the enthusiasm.

“I'm so happy that it's open. Good prices for beef, chicken, and especially vegetables from Tinian. Welcome back to Saipan, I’d like to say to PayLess, because it closed for a while. I'm so happy you're open.”

Cepeda welcomed both returning and first-time shoppers to PayLess Fresh Market, which is open Monday to Saturday from 11am to 6pm.

“To our loyal customers, thank you for the great pressure to return—even though we’re at one-third the size. We listened to you. The board of directors for Triple J Saipan Inc., and Mr. Bob Jones, listened to you. We’re open for business, and we ask you to come in. For those who are new customers, this is a fresh new store,” he said.

Report by Mark Rabago