It is not yet clear when the restaurant will open its cafe section.
Hundreds of plastic flowers decorate the walls in the premises on Nygatan. Lights are being installed into the restaurant's windows. Asia will open its doors by the end of April.
– "I love flowers. My family used to grow and sell flowers at markets in Thailand, like roses and such. Flowers make people happy, and they also symbolize Asia. On my logo, there's an orchid which represents Thailand, a cherry blossom which represents Japan, and bluebells which represent Sweden. So it reflects our concept," says Kaj."
The premises previously belonged to the restaurant Wa Sushi, which has now relocated to Ica Kvantum at Prästbordet. The signs of Wa Sushi are still visible on the front facade.
– We're waiting for the new signs to be sent from Arlanda, says Eman.
Asia will mainly serve sushi and Thai food. Kaj reveals that he also has plans to offer home delivery, as well as serving alcoholic beverages and pastries at the restaurant.
–In the future, we are planning to have an after-work pub,"he says, and continues:
– As soon as we get our alcohol license, we will start serving alcohol. I think it takes around one or two months to obtain an approved alcohol license in Skellefteå. We will apply for the license next week.
Several of the people who will work in the kitchen are old friends of Kaj's.
Cafe, restaurant and bar. Isn't that a bit much?
– We will continuously increase our staff. I would like to hire as many people as possible. I have told the staff that they don't need to worry. If we have too much to do, we can hire more staff. The most important thing is to keep things going. I don't need to make a profit, says Kaj.
Asia will serve both sushi and Thai cuisine.
Kaj says he shouldn't normally serve food at the restaurant, but makes an exception for Norran.
It's a business. Isn't the point to make a profit?
– It depends on how you live. I'm not a millionaire but I have enough money.
It is not yet clear when the restaurant will start serving fika.
– We will launch with the buffet. When we have time we will start the café, says Kaj.
Kaj is a doctor by profession and will continue practicing medicine while simultaneously running the restaurant.