Interview with RACCO, owner of "Noraneko Shokudo Mabi"
Background of the new opening of "Noraneko Shokudo" in Mabi
Please tell us about the circumstances of opening "Noraneko Shokudo" in Mabi Town.
RACCO
After the heavy rain in July 2018, I initially went around to evacuation centers in the Okada, Nima, and Sono districts of Mabi Town to provide meals.
I heard that there were many people gathered at Kawabe Elementary School, as there were no evacuation centers in the Kawabe area, and I received requests for meal provision. From there, I basically started providing meals at Kawabe Elementary School.
As I was providing meals in one place, I began to have more interactions with people from the "Kawabe Reconstruction Project Aruku" and local residents.
There, I heard voices saying, "There is no place to work" and "There is nowhere for craftsmen to eat."
Around that time, I started to hear requests saying, "Could we start charging for meals instead of providing them for free?"
I suggested that we open a restaurant-like shop in Mabi Town. If the money received from customers could be used as wages for local people working in the shop, I thought it could lead to solving the problem.
Origin of the name "Noraneko Shokudo Mabi"
Could you tell us about the origin of the shop's name?
RACCO
It comes from my company name, Noraneko Shokai Co., Ltd.
The company mainly engages in event participation, catering services, manufacturing and sales of apparel and fashion goods, and disaster support projects.
The "unique cuteness of a stray cat that doesn't cling" fits my personality. Well, there isn't particularly a deep meaning behind it.
I added "Mabi" to the name because I thought it would be better to include Mabi since it is opening in Mabi Town.
Also, I jokingly aim for future overseas expansion. (laughs)
Creating a shop that is easy to relate to Mabi Town
Noraneko Shokudo has seasonal limited menus, such as cold noodles in summer and oden in winter. Could you tell us about your recommended menu and the shop's commitment?
RACCO
Actually, I don't put much effort into the menu or taste. I aim for a taste that is just right, like a company cafeteria.
Since it is a small town, I will try my best to respond to customers' voices of "I want to eat this" as much as possible.
I hope it becomes a shop that is easy to relate to the town based on the stories of the customers who actually use it.
About the local specialty miso "Iitri Monogatari" becoming a specialty of Mabi Town
What is the background of the creation of "Iitri Monogatari" using bamboo shoots produced in Mabi Town?
RACCO
The number of craftsmen working to rebuild Mabi Town decreased as the reconstruction progressed. Of course, I anticipated that the store's sales would decrease as a result.
To secure sales outside of in-store dining and to let people outside of Mabi Town taste the local specialty products of the disaster-affected Mabi Town, I created "Iitri Monogatari."
Since spring 2020, we have started selling at our affiliated store "RACCOS BURGER" and started online sales. We are also discussing the possibility of selling at roadside stations.
Future of Noraneko Shokudo
It will be exactly one year since the opening in August 2019. How do you feel about this past year?
RACCO
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to close for about a month from the end of April to mid-May 2020, and I heard voices from local customers saying, "It is a problem when the shop is closed."
I was happy to feel that there was significance in existing as a restaurant in Mabi Town.
What about the future of Noraneko Shokudo?
RACCO
I basically think that if there is no longer any meaning in operating the shop, I will withdraw. However, as long as there are voices asking for us to continue, I plan to adjust the profitability for that purpose.
Depending on the timing, I would like to propose more various options for the evening menu.
It is not a shop with any particular features, but please feel free to relax here.
Conclusion
Noraneko Shokudo is a homey shop where you can enjoy a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the Showa era, gently accompanying Mabi Town.
For those who haven't been yet, why not casually step through the noren (traditional shop curtain)?
Friendly staff, free refills on side dishes and rice... there are many attractions.
I also visit every month; Noraneko Shokudo, where "just right" becomes a habit.
I hope it becomes a shop that is loved for a long time in Mabi Town.
Data of Noraneko Shokudo Mabi
| Name | Noraneko Shokudo Mabi |
|---|---|
| Address | 946-2 Kawabe, Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-454-8865 |
| Parking | Available |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM (Fridays and Saturdays only) |
| Regular Holiday | Sunday |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation | Available |
| Seating | Counter seats: 8 4-person table seats: 2 tables |
| Smoking | Smoking allowed |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Website | Noraneko Shokudo Mabi (Instagram) |
