Pharrell Williams is in his restaurant bag.
According to World Red Eye News, the award-winning producer and creative has partnered with Launchpad Hospitality Group to debut Nami Nori and Matsuyoi, two Japanese restaurants he collaborated on, in Miami’s Design District.
Nami Nori blends effortlessly with its Miami setting, showcasing beachy vibes, airy interiors, and a menu of standout temaki rolls like X.O. scallops and spicy crab dynamite.
Matsuyoi, on the other hand, offers a more intimate and moody dining experience. It features a seasonal multi-course menu focusing on temaki.
The restaurants will eventually make their way to Williams’ hometown of Virginia Beach, VA, WRE News reported.
In addition to Nami Nori and Matsuyoi, Williams has Swan, an indoor and outdoor restaurant and lounge he opened with David Grutman in 2018, also located in Miami’s Design District. The menu features seafood-centric small plates and locally sourced produce.
“Designed around market-driven ingredients, Swan’s updated culinary offering focuses on lighter fare with highly shareable appeal,” per the restaurant’s website, adding that its “reformatted approach keeps in line with Swan’s popular taste, but elevates it to something a bit more magical and therefore, more Miami.”
He and Grutman also operate Strawberry Moon, a Mediterranean restaurant, bar, and swim club at the Goodtime Hotel in South Beach.
In addition to his restaurant ventures, Williams is the men’s creative director of Louis Vuitton, a role he took on following the passing of Virgil Abloh. Abloh was the first Black designer to hold the title before he died from cancer in 2021.
Louis Vuitton was drawn to Williams’ creative endeavors in music, art, and fashion, which have made him a global icon for over two decades, as AFROTECH™ previously reported.
“The way in which he breaks boundaries across the various worlds he explores aligns with Louis Vuitton’s status as a Cultural Maison, reinforcing its values of innovation, pioneer spirit, and entrepreneurship,” the statement read.
“I am glad to welcome Pharrell back home, after our collaborations in 2004 and 2008 for Louis Vuitton, as our new Men’s Creative Director,” said Pietro Beccari, Chairman and CEO. “His creative vision beyond fashion will undoubtedly lead Louis Vuitton towards a new and very exciting chapter.”
