Magic Lounge Opens In Martintar

The Magic Lounge in Martintar, Nadi, has opened for business.

Owned by a husband and wife team, it aims to be everything music and pub-related.

Director Ashish Rao and Payal Kumar settled in New Zealand for a decade, before they embarked on the Nadi venture. They were raised in Lautoka.

With an investment of $150,000, their business was launched on Friday night.

There are expansion plans in the pipeline for the new business.

The Rao’s were raised in Lautoka before they married and moved to New Zealand.

“Being in this music business, it was a dream to open up a pub or nightclub in Fiji,” he said.

“Before the COVID-19 pandemic, we tried to open.

“After COVID-19, we opened a liquor shop.”

They employ 13 full-time staff, with 89 per cent are based in Waimalika and Sabeto, where a liquor and grocery store is based.

“We love Fiji,” he said.

“We have an opportunity here.

“All things were flowing, and we were like, we can do it.”

His passion for music and the quality of nightlife is enormous.

Mr Rao is a qualified disc jockey, and has performed a number of gigs.

The couple aim to raise the quality and profile of their business when business opening hours for night spots are extended beyond 1am.

“We provide them with jobs, to give back to that community, to sustain their family,” he said.

“They have assisted us in terms of our business.

“A new environment, new place, and new staff.

“We want this to be a safe place as we have 11 bouncers and security to safeguard our patrons.

“Community is very important.”

The lounge opens from 11pm to 1am daily.