Our story
From Mang‑kuk to Kanami
A family restaurant, a pandemic, a closing, and a new beginning. This is how Kanami came to be.
It all began in December 2019, when the Juarez family opened their first restaurant, Mang-kuk. Jasper, the eldest son of Joe and Sha, ran it alongside his brother Joshua. Mang-kuk brought heartfelt Filipino flavors to the community.
Then the world changed. Through the COVID pandemic, Mang-kuk stood strong as a symbol of family, resilience, and hope. In July 2022, the doors closed, and a season of uncertainty followed.
From hardship came a new beginning. In June 2025, Kanami was born. It celebrated its grand opening on August 10, 2025. Its name carries the family’s spirit of renewal. It also carries the hospitality, joy, and warmth they set out to share from the start.
Kanami carries the heart of J&S. Every smile is genuine, every guest feels at home, and every dish tells a story.
The Juarez family opens Mang-kuk, their first restaurant.
Mang-kuk closes its doors.
Kanami is born.
Kanami celebrates its grand opening.
Grand opening · August 10, 2025
Opening day in Aurora
A J&S company
Proudly partnered with J&S – The Filipino Store
J&S – The Filipino Store is Kanami’s partner company. Find them on Instagram at @jnspinoy and on Facebook as J & S Pinoy. Kanami is a J&S company.
Come eat with the family.
Pull up a chair. Food tastes better when eaten together.