It’s the Hawaiian-inspired healthy eats option that’s found widespread popularity, and one local business is cornering the Coast’s poke bowl market.
Raw + Rice has expanded with its third store and, according to the manager, locals couldn’t be happier.
The business began when founder Ben Glass opened the first dedicated poke bowl restaurant in 2017 at Mooloolaba.
Raw + Rice has since become part of the Burganshaw Group portfolio that includes The Grocer at Maroochydore, which provides some of the fresh produce served up in all three Raw + Rice stores.
Group general manager Kaileb Gosewinckel said the loyal following growing at their Noosa Heads and Mooloolaba stores meant it was time to expand, with the new team celebrating the soft-opening of the third store Noosaville last Monday.
“Business has been great so far,” Mr Gosewinckel said.
“There was plenty of foot traffic on the first day and the customers we have had so far have been organic and have just stumbled upon us.
“Our third location is in a beautiful, water-facing space right along the Noosa River and park so hopefully we continue to get that foot traffic.”
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He said anticipation and excitement had been building within the local community and the new food offering was already garnering support from neighbouring businesses.
“A lot of people have been popping their heads in to inquire about when we would be opening,” he said.
“It will take the pressure off our Noosa Heads store – we will have a large tourist customer base like on Hastings Street too, but with definitely more local customers here.”
But before getting to this point, Mr Gosewinckel had to overcome “his fair share” of fit-out and construction hurdles, which led to some lengthy delays.
“The lease for the new shop was signed for in November, but trying to get plans underway just before Christmas was a bit of a challenge,” he said.
“Trades are hard to get at the best of times and the store here was a blank canvas. It used to be a retail boutique for 16 years, so no plumbing, no lighting on the ceiling. It was very much a full overhaul.
“I thought ‘where do I start?’ as I stared at four empty walls knowing I had to turn this retail shop into a food premise.”
On top of that, he said Noosa Council took a little longer with some new business protocols compared to Sunshine Coast Council, which also pushed things back a little further.
“A lot of blood sweat and tears went into this build over the last few months,” he said.
“But it feels great to finally have the doors open and poke bowls flowing in Noosaville. I’m really proud of how the store looks and feels – it’s sustainable with clean lines and it’s minimalistic.”
He said the business ethos was to be intentional when choosing locally sourced ingredients to lower their carbon footprint, and having their fish ethically caught as well as hoping to create a more mindful perspective.
“My aim is to ensure we continue to serve high-quality produce that is both nourishing and sustainable, which is locally sourced, along with amazing customer service to our loyal customers,” he said.
“I have grand plans to further develop and expand the brand locally and further afield, which are already in the works. There are definitely a few exciting things in the pipeline, so watch this space.”
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