The decision to shake things up at LONgTIME was not a choice owners Tyron Simon and Frank Li (who also own cutting-edge Japanese restaurant hôntô and the anticipated 22 Agnes) made lightly. Few restaurants boast the kind of consistently busy trade that LONgTIME has enjoyed for the past five years, but when opportunity knocks, you must answer. For Ty and Frank, the opportunity involved moving their heralded Thai concept to the other side of Fortitude Valley to take up residence at high-profile food hub Ada Lane (which has been rolling out some huge announcements over the past month). The Calile’s owners Cal and Michael Malouf approached the LONgTIME team with the proposition of opening a restaurant on Ada Lane, giving them their pick of the available spots. After weighing up all the options, Ty and Frank agreed, putting plans in motion for the closure of LONgTIME and the ensuing arrival of Same Same – a venue that carries LONgTIME’s broad appeal and much of its Thai-centric menu, but with some strategic tweaks.

Ty and Frank opted for a tenancy that has 20 fewer seats than LONgTIME, allowing for a less intense service and some added flexibility in how they can accomodate guests. Same Same will sit next to Jocelyn’s Provisions, and will boast the same Richards and Spence design (think vertiginous archways, cream brick, concrete and light American oak) that has come to be a hallmark of James Street’s now-iconic aesthetic. The street-level restaurant portion (imbued with a dark, fun, and greenery heavy vibe) will seat 80 and will surround an open kitchen that will be twice the size of LONgTIME’s. Chef Ben Bertei will have kitchen fixtures like a charcoal fire pit at his disposal, utilising the added bells and whistles to cook Same Same’s menu of Thai fare, including many popular LONgTIME fixtures such as lobster and turmeric curry, char-grilled beef short rib, and the crispy pork belly pad see ew. Upstairs will sit a bar adorned in vibrant green marble and tiles, where guests can sip on Thai-style cocktails, beer and a wine list that will include 140 bottles. Although markedly different, Ty and Frank’s newest venture will still carry on many of the qualities that made LONgTIME so popular, so don’t expect Same Same to be completely foreign. As for LONgTIME itself, the venue will become a dedicated function space, retaining the same furniture and equipment, but with flexibility for guests to go nuts and curate their dream event.

Stay tuned for more information on Same Same, which is expected to open in late November.