A popular restaurant chain has opened a venue near four other Japanese diners in a suburb with a ‘growing food scene’.
Motto Motto, which is at 18 locations along the east coast, has opened a store at Kawana Shoppingworld in Buddina.
The venue is within 230m of three other Japanese diners including Hikaru, Red Crane and On a Roll Sushi, while Tampopo is just down the road. A Korean outlet, Jango, is also at the shopping centre.
But chief operations officer Matt Fickling said Motto Motto stood out and he said there is significant demand for east Asian flavours in the area.
“Motto Motto brings its own point of difference through freshly cooked, made-to-order Japanese meals in a fast-casual setting, inspired by restaurant-quality flavours and techniques,” he said.
“We see it as a positive sign that there’s a strong appetite for Japanese cuisine in the area.”
The chain, which was established as a casual spin-off from renowned fine dining Japanese restaurant Sono, has multiple venues in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sydney, and is also at Lismore, Burpengary and Townsville.
The chain has returned to the region, after previously having a store at Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore.
“The Sunshine Coast is the perfect fit for Motto Motto,” Mr Fickling said.
“Kawana has a strong sense of community and a growing food scene, which aligns really well with what we do. We’re all about delivering high-quality Japanese food in a fast, accessible way, whether it’s for a quick lunch, a family dinner or something in between.
“We see Kawana as a place where locals value both convenience and quality, and that’s exactly where Motto Motto sits.”
He said business has been booming since the store’s opening in late April.
“The response from locals has been incredibly positive so far,” he said.
“Since opening, we’ve seen a lot of excitement from the Sunshine Coast community, both in the restaurant and online.
“We’ve already received some great early reviews, with a number of guests mentioning they’ve previously visited Motto Motto locations when travelling to Brisbane and are excited to now have a restaurant much closer to home.”
The diner has indoor and outdoor seating and take-away.
“The Kawana restaurant has a clean, modern design that reflects our Japanese heritage while still feeling relaxed and approachable,” he said.
“Guests can expect a large kitchen where they can see meals being prepared fresh to order, which is a big part of the experience.
“The space is designed to be welcoming and energetic, balancing dine-in comfort with quick service efficiency.”
Mr Fickling said customers relished the food offerings.
“Our classic ramen and chicken katsu donburi have proven to be the most popular menu on the Sunshine Coast.”
“Our menu is inspired by traditional Japanese flavours and techniques, but delivered in a way that’s fresh, fast and accessible.
“Everything is made to order using quality ingredients, and we focus on bold, comforting flavours like rich ramen broths, crispy katsu and flavour-packed donburi.
“We’ve recently introduced bento boxes and sando sets too.
“The teriyaki chicken and salmon poke options are also favourites, along with our crispy chicken karaage. These dishes really showcase the balance of flavour, freshness and quality we’re known for.”
To celebrate the opening of the restaurant, an official opening event is scheduled for May 16, with $1 classic ramen to be offered to the first 400 guests between 10am to midday. A year of ramen will also be given to one lucky Motto Motto member.
The diner is open daily from 11am to 9pm.
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