Meet The Team
Shaheed Rupani -
Owner
It all begins with an idea.
And that is what I do. Moving from Toronto, Canada to Kyoto taught me a lot, mainly how to take an idea and create it into something real. I started off teaching English after coming to Japan. Working my way up, I started to think of how else could I interact with the community and just put smiles of peoples faces. I learned about the Gion Matsuri festival and wanted to join in. When it came time to join, we were set to the task of pulling one of the 12 ton floats through the city. It was hot and we couldn’t even stop to go to the bathroom, but the cheers and claps from the crowd gave us the energy to keep going. That’s when I knew, I wanted to always bring joy to people’s life. I have created bars and guest houses all over Kyoto since then, and with every one a new experience. I hope to bring the same level of joy creating 67 Diner. Hope to see you all here.
Yuki (Garfield) Suzuki -
Manager
Born and bred in Kyoto, but never felt at home ‘till I discovered a world outside of Japan. I spent 18 months travelling around Latin America and the States. Still feeling unfulfilled, I found myself down under and in New Zealand for a few years. What I realized was that during my travels, everyone always asked me about Kyoto but I didn’t have many answers because I didn’t know enough about my hometown. So, I came back to rediscover my roots. One thing led to another and I met Shaheed and started to work together at his bar on Pontocho where we perfected some amazing burgers, hence the beginning of 67 Diner. I have not only found a new love for my hometown, Kyoto, but have also found a new family. We’ll do our best to make your visit to 67 something unforgettable.
Gaetano Irrera -
Chef
Good food, good drink, and good company. This moto has pushed me through my life and evolved my passion for cooking. I truly believe that food is the quickest way to someone’s heart; especially mine ;) It binds and unifies each and every living creature. We should never forget the power of what sustains us. This is what I hope to bring to 67 Diner.
My whole life has been centered around the art and science of food. When I was younger my parents allowed me to help in the kitchen and taught me what they know, and how special soul food is. They said the secret ingredient in cooking was love, but I couldn’t understand what they meant until I cooked for my wife... I guess I should show my parents what I’ve learned.
I carried this lesson to high school where I enrolled in the culinary class available. It was there, I learned that I needed to be a chef and one day open a place where I could provide happiness via our stomachs. I was invited to join 67 Diner after many heartful and tear wrenching sessions with the owner. I hope to bring my soul to the table and bring more than just smiles to anyone who visits us. See you sooner!