September 13, 2015
Five years ago Natasha Lumley was thinking about opening a sushi bar in Kingaroy, but she wasn’t sure the town was quite ready for it.
She was running a business in north Queensland but was keen to come back to Kingaroy so her children could grow up here.
Earlier this year she judged the time was right, and nine weeks ago opened “Charj Juice n Sushi” in Kingaroy Shoppingworld.
Natasha said younger South Burnett residents were dropping in all the time but some of the older folk around town were wary … confusing sushi (rice rolls) with sashimi (raw fish).
“We have westernised the flavours so they are little bit tamer on the palate,” she said.
“And all our fish is cooked!”
Some of the seafood options include tempura prawns with sweet chilli sauce, prawn and avocado, smoked salmon and salt’n’pepper calamari.
But there are plenty of non-seafood options, too.
“The pulled pork in hickory barbecue sauce is quite popular,” Natasha said.
And there is also a big range of chicken sushis, including satay, teriyaki, and chicken with avocado and honey soy.
If people don’t like nori (the edible seaweed wraps which are an iconic part of sushi), there are also rice paper rolls.
To tempt older shoppers to try sushi for the first time, once a fortnight Natasha sends a staff member out around the mall, offering a free taste of what they have on offer.
But Charj isn’t just about sushi.
Natasha said she also believed there was a room for a specialist fresh juice bar in Kingaroy, where people can either choose from tried and tested combinations, or blend their own flavours. There are also smoothies and protein drinks.
The name “Charj” reflects the fact that people can re-charge their mobile devices while enjoying lunch (and there is also free wi-fi).
Natasha has 16 casual staff, including juniors, and is happy with the way the business is progressing.
“When the weather is warm we are flat out,” she said.
“During the winter we will add some curries and Asian-inspired teas to our menu so we can provide some warmer options.”
Charj is open 8:30am to 5:30pm Monday-Friday (8:00pm on Thursdays), and until 2:30pm on Saturdays.
