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Kuya restaurant will blend Filipino food, culture and family on South Main

By , Daily Memphian Published: November 30, 2025 4:00 AM CT

Chef Shayne Diaz’s cooking journey began in her native Philippines around a more than half-century-old kitchen table where her family had every meal.

Always a home-cooked meal by any one of her many relatives, it is where Diaz learned most of her cooking, mainly from her late father and his mother, whom she calls Lola. 

She said her dad’s dream, before he died several years ago, was to open a restaurant. He even stored commercial spatulas, bowls and restaurant racks in their garage. 

His dream and his passion for food, family and community were passed down to Diaz, and by year-end, she will open her Filipino bar, Kuya, in the former Bedrock Eats & Sweets space at 327 S. Main St. 

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Sophia Surrett

Sophia Surrett

Sophia Surrett is a University of Alabama graduate, where she received her B.A. in news media and M.A. in journalism and media studies. She covers small business, nonprofits, restaurant real estate, hospitality and tourism, manufacturing, and transportation and logistics.


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