Inside Mackay’s groovy new restaurant Kiya’s Kitchen

Mackay’s groovy new restaurant is serving up delicious homemade food and entertainment for customers, with a new twist on funky favourite themes.

A new Mackay restaurant is transporting its customers back to the 1950s, with hot rods parked outside.

Kiya’s Kitchen has only grown in popularity since it opened in October last year, and is now open for dinner.

Owner Kiya Fay said it has always been her dream to open her own business.

“Anyone who knows me knows this is what I have always wanted to do as long as I can remember,” she said.

“And now I am actually doing it.

“I’m selling food I like to eat for a price I like to pay.”

Ms Fay works alongside her best friend Maree Hammond, who is the manager of the restaurant.

Their friendly banter could brighten up anyone’s day, and Ms Fay said many customers commented on the quality of food and the service.

“It is a very open kitchen, we always say there are no secrets in this kitchen,” Ms Fay said.

“You are watching us cook.

“People always say, ‘how do you guys do this, it is like you have been working together for years’.

“Customers will say its like a dinner and a show.”

Best friends Maree Hammond (left) and Kiya Fay celebrate Kiya’s Kitchen that has proven popular since it opened in October. Picture: Madeleine Graham

Kiya’s Kitchen sells a selection of homemade foods such as nachos, burgers, sandwiches, desserts and freshly squeezed juices.

Ms Fay said she only bought local produce, meat and seafood from the Mackay region.

“It does cost me a bit more but we only buy locally, whether that be fruit, vegetables, meat and seafood,” she said.

“Anything I can get local.”

Kiya’s Kitchen opened for dinner for the first time on Friday, February 25, with music to entertain the customers and a collection of hot rods parked outside.

Ms Fay said Kiya’s Kitchen was already popular with nearby tradies who sometimes visit three times a day.

“Our sales have been picking up every day,” she said.

“The plumbers across the road and mechanics down the road are here for morning smoko, breakfast, morning tea and lunch.

“They are very excited that we are now doing dinner.”

Ms Fay plans to change up the menu every so often and has her eyes on a roller-skating themed night.

Kiya‘s Kitchen manager Maree Hammond and Kiya’s Kitchen owner Kiya Fay excited for their first Friday night dinner. Picture: Madeleine Graham

“We are getting the carpark resurfaced, so I’m hoping we might have a roller-skating themed Friday night,” she said.

“We would bring out milkshakes and frappés.

“Do the old-school park up listening to music.

“My manager is not too keen on that.”

Kiya’s Kitchen has also started catering for various events.

“We already had like nine catering inquiries in two days,” she said.

“We have two weddings, a 40th birthday, a 70th birthday and a kids party.”

She said her landlord parked his hot rod outside the restaurant and she encouraged any members of the public with cool cars to do the same.

“Anyone can bring their cars, it is like a meet and greet,” she said.

“If you have a car that you are proud of, bring it down.”