Clara Diaz poses near the front entrance of Diaz Cafe
Joshua Albeza Branstetter, Mana
2024

The Clara Diaz Legacy

Written By Shayne Nuesca

To know the history of Diaz Cafe is to learn the story of Clara Diaz, the matriarch at the helm of the restaurant for nearly five decades.

Under her care, the restaurant became a gathering place where anyone, from cannery workers to cruisers and elected officials, celebrated milestones and formed lifelong friendships.

Learn Lola Clara’s Story →

Clara Diaz chops chicken breast for lunch service in the Diaz Cafe kitchen
Joshua Albeza Branstetter, Mana
2024

Clara Diaz shares her scrapbook collection as Rudy Manabat folds a quilt she made
Joshua Albeza Branstetter, Mana
2024

Clara Diaz, Cora Manabat, and Shayne Nuesca play mahjong in the back room of Diaz Cafe
Joshua Albeza Branstetter, Mana
2024

Clara Diaz, then Clara Noble, poses for her nursing school graduation portrait
Clara Diaz
1957

The Ketchikan Daily News highlights Clara Diaz’s wedding to Manuel Diaz Jr.
Ketchikan Daily News
1963

Clara Diaz stands on countertops as she cleans the Diaz Cafe’s ceiling
Clara Diaz
c. 1980s

Lito Paule and Arnel Manabat watch as Clara Diaz holds up a fish
Clara Diaz
c. 2000s

Credits
Curation Tasha Elizarde
Editorial & Web Design Shayne Nuesca
Photography & Videography Joshua Albeza Branstetter
Community Engagement Pearl-Grace Pantaleone

Special Thanks
Maraming salamat Lola Clara Diaz, Diaz Cafe, Diaz family, Manabat family, Ketchikan Kapamilya, and Mellon Foundation.