Bae Yong Joon to open Waikiki cafe.

January 23, 2012

source: Honolulu Pulse

Korean celebrity Bae Yong Joon is working towards opening a coffee shop in Waikiki called Gorilla in the Café Hawaii, a spokesperson confirmed. The news was first reported by “K-Drama” columnist Jeff Chung in the Jan. 15 edition of the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

“We just got the lease … (and) the project is going forward,” said Timothy Lee, a Hawaii-based real estate agent who represents Bae’s Gorilla Life Way USA, LLC.
After successful acting roles in Korean and Japanese television (where he is known as Yonsama), Bae expanded his business interests into restaurant ventures in those two countries. A visit to Hawaii island last year got him interested in opening something here.
“He really enjoys Hawaii and is an avid golfer,” Lee said. “When he was here in April, we were in Kona, and that’s where he really got to experience the coffee farms.”
Back on Oahu, Lee connected Bae with the Korean owners of Teddy Bear World in Waikiki, who incidentally had a vacant space available to sub-lease. Once the necessary paperwork was finalized earlier this month, Gorilla in the Café Hawaii became a reality. While Lee will handle some aspects of the new business, he said Bae himself will oversee much of the process.
“He’s going to be directly involved,” said Lee. “He’s a big foodie (and) has a very good palate.
“My thing in Hawaii is that we really lack the outdoor dining options here. We have great weather all year long, but for some reason there’s not much outdoor seating.”
Lee said that while the new, 500 square-foot space isn’t that big, it’s a dedicated seating area outside that will help attract customers. Bae’s fans will also be drawn to design elements and merchandise that reflect the actor’s personality.
“This project is personal,” said Lee. “It will be a lot of (Bae’s) personal preferences on the merchandise and everything that we do.”
Gorilla in the Café Hawaii will be located at 2155 Kalakaua Ave. and is tentatively set to open in April. Bae is expected to attend the grand opening.

Gorilla in the Cafe in Hawaii opening on June 15 .

Keyeast staff has mentioned that Gorilla in the Cafe in Hawaii will meet the opening on June 15.2012
Representative of Keyeast will be leaving the country to attend the opening.
Bae Yong Joon is not scheduled to accompany him.

[article] New cafe in Honolulu: Gorilla in the Cafe.

July 24, 2012

Gorilla in the Café, Honolulu’s newest coffee shop focusing on Hawaii coffee has a bit more polish than the others—a gleaming Kelly-green Marozco espresso machine, carefully designed packaged coffees, an interior of glass and unfinished wood. The money behind the café: K-drama star Bae Yong Joon.
Joon consults with local suppliers and roasters (Isla Coffee for coffee, Downtown Coffee for the espresso) to showcase an impressive array of local coffees such as Rusty’s Hawaiian Honey Typica from Kau and Maui Mokka Peaberry.
Gorilla in the Cafe serves pour-over coffee and espresso drinks, all of it brewed from 100% Hawaii-grown beans.
Why a Gorilla? A reference to under or over-caffeinated customers?
No, Joon has a sister restaurant in Seoul called Gorilla in the Kitchen, specializing in healthy offerings. Says Gorilla in the Café spokesperson Tim Lee, “A gorilla is one of the strongest and leanest creatures in existence, thus the name. A lot of celebrities go to the Seoulrestaurant before filming to shape up to get into a role.”
Me, I’m not shaping up for anything, but I am going for a good cup of coffee.
Coffee ranges from $3.65 to $5.25 for a small cup, espresso drinks from $2.95 to $3.95 for a small.
2155 Kalakaua Ave.

update on Gorilla in the Cafe Hawaii.

August 1, 2012 .source: love Bae yong joon

Gorilla in the Cafe have already launched it’s Facebook page, click HERE to view the page.

they do mention that they would take your orders manually, until their website is ready.
visit their page and check out the details, they have variety of coffee and merchandises with English comments.

here is an article lifted from Gorilla Cafe Facebook;

[article] Gorilla in the Cafe: Flexing Hawaiian Coffee Muscles in Waikiki.

October 23, 2012

source: FOOD GPS
By Joshua Lurie
September 12, 2012

Waikiki has to be one of the most touristy areas on the planet, with people from across the globe spilling over sidewalks. The Honolulu hotel and shopping district sure has its share of chains, but hidden in plain sight are some focused culinary specialists. On our most recent trip to Hawaii, we were staying at the Waikiki Parc Hotel, and around the corner, a strange sight caught my eye, a flashy green La Marzocco espresso machine. Spotting top-flight coffee equipment signaled serious coffee at VG Gallery Studio Cafe in Taipei, and that same indicator led to some of the best coffee we’ve had in Hawaii, at Gorilla in the Cafe.

Korean actor Bae Yong Joon opened his glass-fronted cafe in July. He also owns a restaurant in Seoul called Gorilla in the Kitchen and respects the animal’s health and strength. The interior features reclaimed wood walls and houses the aforementioned La Marzocco, two Mazzer grinders, a Bonmac pourover coffee bar, and a healthy retail presence. The gorilla also serves shave ice, but we were happy to enjoy that Hawaiian treat elsewhere.

We started with 100% Hawaiian Hand Pourover, roasted by Pahala-based Isla Coffee

A menu near the register features seven different selections, which might include Maui Red Catuai, Ka’u Washed Typica and Kona Magarogype. It’s not often to see the coffee varietal featured so prominently on a menu. Clearly, the gorilla enjoys educating customers.

A barista named Sam filled me in and prepared my coffee. Maui Mokka Peaberry ($4.66) promised “flavors of lychee, hibiscus, rose, orange and chocolate.” It was bright, and fairly floral, but does anybody ever really sense exactly the same tasting notes as the label dictates?

Honolulu’s Downtown Coffee roasted a four-bean espresso blend, including beans from Big Island, Maui and Oahu. Sam pulled a smooth shot that was satisfyingly bright, without much bitterness.

Of course Gorilla in the Cafe sells bags of coffee to go, in case you want to take the experience elsewhere. Apparently it’s also possible to be a gorilla at home.

Gorilla in the Cafe
2155 Kalakaua Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96815
808 922 2055

[pic] BYJ in the cafe!!!!

January 4, 2013

reposting from Gorilla in the Cafe FB

The big boss in the cafe!!!!

bits of info on blue tiger t-shirt BYJ was wearing at honolulu airport on 29 December……

[JOB news]
Gorilla in the Cafe open commemorative tour

January 26, 2013.source: JOB

Hello, everyone.
Cold days continue, how are you doing?
Thank you for waiting!
We are bringing you news on the tour that we have received so many requests.
I am sure many of you already know that “Gorilla in the Cafe” has opened in Hawaii.
This time we have decided to organize “Gorilla in the Cafe open commemorative tour” to commemorate it’s opening!
■ tour schedule
A course: Sunday 24 February 2013 – Friday 1 March (6days/4nights) by IACE travel
B course: Monday 25 February 2013 – Saturday 2 March (6days/4nights) by KNT
■ event dates
Monday 25 February, Tuesday 26 February
■ tour points
1) Coffee brewed by Bae Yong Joon himself will be offered to everyone at “Gorilla in the Cafe” at Hawaii
2) gift of “Gorilla in the Cafe” original coffee tumblers
3) gift of Bae Yong Joon original goods
[applying period]
18:00 Tuesday 22 January 2013 – 18:00 Thursday 24 January 2013
[tour details + how to apply]
1) IACE (A course) details here
2) KNT (B course) details here
==== omit details on two travel agents ====
★ apart from this “Gorilla in the Cafe open commemorative tour,” there will be other package tours (5days/3nights, 6days/4nights, 7days/5nights) in February and March, which will take you to Gorilla in the Cafe.
We wait for your participation.
tour will be organized by IACE travel details here

[pic] Gorilla in the Cafe…BYJ Event !!

March 2, 2013
source: DAUM BYJ Gallery

thank you for sharing, arayo-nim.

finally, we get to see latest picture of BYJ!!!

Goods order for “Gorilla in the Cafe”

June 15, 2013

posted on Gorilla in the Cafe FB
If you want to order any Gorilla in the Cafe goods, please download and fill out this order sheet.
There are 2 ways to get the completed form to us:
1. E-mail a .pdf of the completed form to taryn @ gorillahawaii . com
2. Fax the completed form to (888) 366-3281
Mahalo!