GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The founder of Hopcat is hoping to tap into tiki tourism with his newest restaurant, opening in downtown Grand Rapids next month.

Max’s South Seas Hideaway is already taking online reservations ahead of its Oct. 19 opening at 4 p.m. Construction is well underway on transforming the three-story building at 58 Ionia Ave. SW near Stella’s Lounge into a Polynesian paradise featuring Hopcat creator Mark Sellers’ extensive collection of tiki artifacts.

Sellers and Martin Cate, who teamed up to create the acclaimed TikiCat in Kansas City, Missouri, are doing it again for this venture, announced in April. They’re working with Hawaii-based tiki and Polynesian artist Gecko to pull off their vision.

“Everything from the music, to the service, tropical cocktails, artwork, and gourmet food is being created to transport guests to a place far from their day-to-day life. Our goal is for people to forget the outside world exists, if only for an hour or two,” Sellers explained in a Tuesday news release.

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