Stuck in their apartment during the pandemic, Mercedes Squires and her husband, Roger, started cooking more food that connected them to their roots in Panama and the Caribbean. Then, when Squires was laid off from her old job, the couple opened a pop-up restaurant to share their culture with the community.
That pop-up quickly turned into a brick-and-mortar in Los Angeles and their business, Caribbean Soul Kitchen LA, really took off.
But their location in Los Angeles was small — the restaurant could only accommodate 37 guests at a time — and after four years, they had outgrown the space.
Now, they’re bringing the taste of Panama to Long Beach. They just opened on New Year’s Eve under the new name Panama International Restaurant. On Thursday, Jan. 8, the new restaurant will be officially introduced to the city with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3 p.m.
“We’re excited to just come out with a bang,” Squires said.
With dishes like fried snapper, jerk chicken, beef oxtail, sancocho, and yuca fritters, Panama International Restaurant serves meals rich in Panamanian culture.
Squires describes Panamanian food as being a mix of Spanish, Latin and Caribbean cuisine that they’re excited to share with the Long Beach community.
Roger grew up in Panama watching his grandfather cook, learning how to masterfully blend the flavors of Jamaica (where his grandfather was from) with the melody of flavors that make up traditional Panamanian cuisine. Now, he makes homemade sauces and seasoning blends in his restaurant to recreate the food he ate growing up.
Squires said when people try their food for the first time, they are “blown away” because they’ve never experienced anything like it before.
Beyond the food, the couple is sharing its Panamanian heritage through the restaurant’s decor, which highlights the country’s history and traditions.
Panamanian license plates adorn the walls. A pollera congo — a more brightly colored version of the national dress — is proudly displayed on the wall. In a display case on another section of wall, there is a doll wearing a traditional pollera, a miniature bus, and a couple of small African quilts to represent the African influences in Panama.
“I think people are going to be pleasantly surprised when they walk in, they’re going to get a cultural lesson. Just with the entry, you’re going to feel the culture,” Squires said.
Squires wants Panama International Restaurant to provide an elevated experience for customers compared to their old location. Not only will they have more seating available, but the bigger space allows them to expand their menu and now offer beers, wines and desserts.
“Still the same warmth, still the same food and hospitality, but just a little notch up,” Squires said.
Reservations can be made on their website.
Panama International Restaurant, 211 Pine Avenue, is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Fridays from 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sundays from 4 p.m to 9:30 p.m.