Arturo Mora and Mariela Maya are teaming up for Panka’s next course. (Photo courtesy of Panka)
By Wini Moranville
Recently, Peruvian-born Mariela Maya announced that her Panka Peruvian restaurant on Ingersoll would be closing this spring. To the dismay of many fans of Peru’s bold, cross-cultural cuisine, the restaurant was set to shutter this very week.
That’s changed. Panka will remain open through a collaboration with Arturo Mora, whose Flame Restaurant Group portfolio includes the popular Roots 95.
The two bring complementary strengths. “I have the passion,” Maya said. “I love this food, I love my customers, and I love my team. But I can’t do everything.”
Mora adds the operational backbone. Before becoming a force on the local scene, he worked on opening crews for The Cheesecake Factory locations in the United States and his native Mexico.
For diners, the shift will be measured, not drastic. The Peruvian core remains, with a gradual introduction of small plates. Diners will enjoy a range of experiences: a few shareable dishes and drinks one night, a full date-night dinner the next. The duo agrees: They’re not changing Panka’s core concept, just giving people more ways to experience it.
Panka will remain open at 2708 Ingersoll Ave. throughout the transition, with updates expected as soon as next weekend.
Contributor Wini Moranville has covered the Des Moines dining scene since 1997. She currently reports on local restaurants and food finds on her Substack, Dining Well in Des Moines.
