After much anticipation, JuJu officially opened its doors last Friday. We were among the first to see (and taste) what it had to offer…
Chic, playful and vibrant – those are three words Luna Group director Trent Redman uses to describe their latest venue, JuJu. With its orange hues, cheeky signage and indoor foliage (including a sprawling olive tree), we’re inclined to agree.
The Luna team worked with their design partners, 40/40 Creative, to create JuJu. They wanted to bring a pinch of playfulness and mischief to a setting that is traditionally quite reserved, and create an atmosphere that’s as lively and vibrant as the name itself.
“The concept was to combine nightlife and restaurant culture to create something magical,” Trent explains. “To us, all nice and no naughty gets boring, very quickly.”
To say its opening was highly anticipated is an understatement.
“We originally took this site over a year ago, so establishing JuJu is definitely not something we rushed into,” explains Trent. “In hospitality you could create the best fit out, spend the most money but that doesn’t necessarily translate into good vibes. That’s where I’d say Luna Group excels, we are vibe curators. We’re people-people.”
Hospitality, for Trent, is more of a calling than an industry. Through the Luna Group, he designs venues with the customer experience in mind, always focusing on defining the perfect atmosphere.
The goal is to make every night an unforgettable hospitality experience – even if our recollection is a little fuzzy.
“We want to leave an indelible mark on everyone who comes through our doors,” says Trent. “Our mission is to play host to countless good times and countless cherished memories.”
A seasoned traveller, Trent says JuJu is a wink to the clubs of Mexico and Europe, particularly Croatia and Spain. But he also hopes it will fill a gap for Gold Coasters looking for a nice meal, some quality beverages and a place to cut loose – and still be in bed by midnight.
“The Gold Coast is this iconic party and holiday destination, but there really isn’t an offering at the moment here that caters for locals and visitors alike over 30 year of age who no longer want to go to Surfers Paradise,” Trent explains. “We have raised booths downstairs for that private, cosy dining experience, and a rooftop lounge bar upstairs – complete with a discotheque.”
JuJu is the latest in a string of exciting new venues for Mermaid, but it hopes to add something different.
“Right now, Mermaid Beach is the place to be. People are travelling from north and south to experience the epicentre for elevated entertainment and dining here,” says Trent. “To join the calibre of neighbouring businesses based on the invigorated Nobby Beach strip is so energising. There’s some seriously strong operators yet to move into The Oxley. We’re excited to see the area evolve and who it beckons.”
Though they face stiff competition in the local dining department, JuJu hopes their modern Australian menu will stand out from the crowd. Expect tomahawks, sashimi, steak tartare and duck, and a wine and cocktail menu to keep you going all night long.
They hope it becomes a haven for those of us who have grown tired of nightclubs, but still want to drink, dine and dance into the night.
“We believe everyone needs that one good friend, who is a little bit of a bad influence in their life,” says Trent. “You know the one. The friend who pulls you away from the grindstone when you’ve been working too much. The one you can count on spicing up your weekend when you’ve been stuck in a rut. The one who’s always keen on one more drink.”
