Fresh food sensations
A new food craze is set to land in Cairns next month with the opening of sushi burrito and poke bowl bar, Suki. The bright franchise which sells healthy, raw fish, vegetable and seaweed delicacies from Japan and Hawaii, is to open in Smithfield Shopping Centre. “We are on track to launch in the second week in September but obviously builders will dictate as to when that finally happens,” chief executive Kim Toovey said.
A FRESH, new food craze is set to land in Cairns next month with the opening of sushi burrito and poke bowl bar, Suki.
The bright franchise which sells healthy, raw fish, vegetable and seaweed delicacies from Japan and Hawaii, is currently hiring casual staff and supervisors for its first Far North venture in Smithfield Shopping Centre.
Chief executive Kim Toovey said the business’ second Townsville outlet opened last week and a Cairns location had been “on the cards for a while”.
“We are very excited to push into Far North Queensland. We are on track to launch in the second week in September but obviously builders will dictate as to when that finally happens,” he said.
“The type of product definitely lends itself to being up the north end of Queensland with a warm climate all year round and fresh healthy seafood on the doorstep.
Suki originated in Brisbane with its flagship store opening last year at Southbank’s Grey St dining precinct.
Mr Toovey said Smithfield Shopping Centre’s revamp had attracted his interest.
“I think they’ve created an exceptional food precinct and we definitely wanted to go in to somewhere like that in Cairns,” he said.
“While retail is in a bit of a tough spot at the moment, eating great food at a great price point is still in demand.”
Management is already on the lookout for a second Cairns site with Mr Toovey hinting another opening would be “happening pretty soon”.
Discussions are already under way with landlords at some inner city sites.
Dexus regional property manager John Cooper, who is in charge of Smithfield Shopping Centre, said Suki would be the ninth casual dining outlet to open at the site.
“Many local residents are enjoying the variety on offer along with the affordable dining options,” he said.