KYU Comes Back to Miami

KYU Miami has definitely been a staple in the area when it comes to Asian-inspired cuisine. With famous wood-fired grilled meats, bao buns, and notably delicious Korean fried chicken, the community was sad to see KYU’s popular Wynwood location close down due to storm damage in the fall of 2022.

KYU was originally founded by Chef Michael Lewis, alongside his partner, Steven Haigh. Since it opened its doors in 2016, the restaurant has seen constant success, garnering a James Beard Award semifinalist position in 2017 for best new restaurant. Purchased in 2021 by the Reuben Family, another location has opened in New York, Mexico, and Las Vegas. Such widespread acclaim is attributed to the excellence the restaurant brings to the table, both with its dedication to expertly crafted Asian flavors and the notable stylish environments found in each of its locations.

KYU Miami - McKenzie Construction Renovation

Making the best out of an unfortunate weather-related closure, ownership has decided to take the opportunity to give the already elevated interior of the restaurant a facelift. As the scope of the storm damage was discovered post-closure, plans to renovate the entire interior are underway with special attention being paid to the bar area and the restaurant’s furniture.

So where does McKenzie fall into all of this? Alongside expert designer Mark Alan Diaz, McKenzie serves as general contractor, bringing his tailored custom hospitality experience to life. Diaz’s portfolio of luxury bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and event venues spans the range of Miami’s hospitality scene, making him an excellent player in the re-imagination of this Miami staple.

KYU Menu Items

KYU Miami is poised to reopen soon, at their same home in the heart of Wynwood. McKenzie is happy to be involved in the project alongside Mark’s brilliant design work, bringing Asian-inspired cuisine back to its improved and reimagined home in one of Miami’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Follow along @buildmckenzie, @markalandiaz, and @kyumiami for updates and visit markalandiaz.com for more details!