Roji Cat proves success after opening in Miami on the Gold Coast

Hundreds of people have poured into a new Gold Coast brewery, where the owner says “is a slice of Tokyo’s magic” on the Gold Coast.

Beer bar Roji Cat opened in Miami this month and is already a hit. Karaoke Room. Picture Glenn Hampson

Hundreds of people have poured into a new Gold Coast brewery, which the owner says “is a slice of Tokyo’s magic” on the Gold Coast.

Japanese-inspired brewery, Roji Cat, opened in Miami on September 6 and venue manager Angus Lee said himself and his family – who owns the venue – are “over the moon”.

“We’ve been so excited to share this little passion project our family has been working on over the past two to three years with everyone,” he said.

“To see it finally come to fruition almost doesn’t feel real.”

Mr Lee said they had 12 beers on tap during the opening night and there was “nothing but high praise”.

Beer bar Roji Cat opened in Miami this month and is already a hit. Venue Manager Angus Lee with beer. Picture Glenn Hampson

He said the brewery was inspired from his family’s love of Japan.

“Every year we escape to Japan for a snowboarding holiday, a tradition that has become more than just a vacation,” Mr Lee said.

“We found ourselves irresistibly drawn to Tokyo’s vibrant food scene, bustling night-life and the unique vibe of downtown Shinjuku.”

Mr Lee said they had never dreamt of starting a brewery until their friend Satoshi, made a “casual joke over beers” about going on this adventure.

“What started as a lighthearted comment, soon became a serious conversation,” he said.

“The idea struck a chord with us all and we began to envision how we could bring a slice of Tokyo’s magic to Miami.”

Mr Lee said their karaage chicken and pork gyoza’s were some of the most popular menu items.

“But items such as our kingfish and salmon ceviche and the Moreton Bay bug sliders have also been hard to go by judging by the rate they’re flying out of the kitchen,” he said.

Beer bar Roji Cat opened in Miami this month and is already a hit. A selection of food. Picture Glenn Hampson

Beer bar Roji Cat opened in Miami this month and is already a hit. A selection of food. Picture Glenn Hampson

Mr Lee said Satoshi’s rice lager had been sold three times more than any other beer.

“His pale ale and black lager shared a tired second place for crowd favourites,” he said.

Yuzu, chilli margarita’s, Tokyo sour and even a dragon fruit and lychee martini were featured on the cocktail menu.

Mr Lee said while this was their family’s first venture into the restaurant and brewery scene, it had been an “exciting journey”.

“We’re thrilled to be able to share this with the Gold Coast community and can’t wait to see how Roji Cat continues to grow.”

Beer bar Roji Cat opened in Miami this month and is already a hit. Picture Glenn Hampson

Beer bar Roji Cat opened in Miami this month and is already a hit. Picture Glenn Hampson

Beer bar Roji Cat opened in Miami this month and is already a hit. Picture Glenn Hampson

Beer bar Roji Cat opened in Miami this month and is already a hit. Darts Room. Picture Glenn Hampson

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Originally published as Roji Cat proves success after opening in Miami on the Gold Coast