JAPANESE CULINARY KING TO STAR IN NEW-LOOK JUPITERS

JUPITERS Hotel & Casino has scored award-winning Japanese chef Chase Kojima as one of the big attractions for its planned $345 million expansion.

Kojima, executive chef and founder of The Star’s Sokyo restaurant, has been lured by Jupiters to open his second restaurant and provide a major new food offering at the Broadbeach property.

Sokyo has been a major drawcard for The Star in Sydney and was awarded a Chef's Hat at the 2014 Good Food Guide Awards for its cutting-edge cuisine.

Kojima, who developed a passion and knowledge of seafood from his grandfather, a Hokkaido fisherman, has worked across the world for the Nobu restaurant group, including a stint as executive chef at Nobu Bahamas.

His father, Sachio Kojima, is owner of the renowned Kabuto Sushi Restaurant in San Francisco.

The Gold Coast restaurant is expected to take prime position on the lobby level of the hotel-casino complex overlooking the casino entry and foyer. 

In the lead-up to its opening, Jupiters has launched a recruitment campaign for staff, including a chef de cuisine.

Echo Entertainment Group’s (ASX: EGP) Queensland managing director Geoff Hogg has described the Kojima signing as a coup for the Gold Coast property.

"Chase will bring an exciting and unexpected flavour to the Gold Coast culinary scene,” says Hogg.

“We anticipate this new restaurant, part of our $345 million redevelopment, will be a drawcard for local and international patrons."

Kojima says he is keen to showcase his culinary style to a new Australian audience.

"I am extremely passionate about supporting and showcasing Australia's finest produce and I like to develop strong connections with my producers,” he says.

“I look forward to what the Gold Coast and Queensland has to offer."

The Jupiters makeover includes plans for a new six-star hotel tower aimed at luring Asian high rollers.

Two new restaurants and a poolside makeover are among the work currently under way as part of the casino extension.