Rooted in Heritage. Inspired by the Southwest. Guided by Heart.

Panxa Cocina was born out of a lifelong love for Latin cuisine and a dedication to locally sourced foods. The restaurant’s story begins with Chef Arthur Gonzalez, whose vision and spirit continue to shape Panxa today.

The Legacy of Chef Arthur Gonzalez

A Cerritos native, Chef Arthur’s passion for food began in his family’s kitchen, where his German mother and Oaxacan grandmother introduced him to the flavors and heart of home cooking. After a back injury ended his firefighting career, he discovered his true calling in the firehouse kitchen and never looked back.

From humble beginnings as a dishwasher at Spaghettini to mentorship under James Beard Award-winning Chef Eric Distefano in New Mexico, Arthur honed his craft with grit and heart. It was there he met Vanessa Auclair, his future business partner, wife and kindred spirit in hospitality. Together they returned to Long Beach to open Panxa Cocina in 2014 — a love letter to the bold, soulful cuisine of the Southwest and the community they cherished.

At Panxa—pronounced pan-zah, the Catalan word for “belly”— Chef Art created a space where vibrant flavors, heartfelt service, and community came together. Though he is no longer with us, his warmth, creativity, and generosity live on in every meal we serve.

In 2022, Chef Arthur unexpectedly passed away, leaving behind an incredible culinary legacy and a community that continues to celebrate his passion for bringing people together through food. While his absence is deeply felt, his vision remains the foundation of everything we do.

Carrying the Torch Forward

Today, Panxa is entering its next chapter with a renewed commitment to honoring that legacy. We're evolving while staying true to our roots—bringing back the beloved dishes our guests have cherished for years, Ceviche and Stacked Enchiladas, celebrating the bold flavors and traditions of New Mexico, and continuing to create new experiences that reflect the spirit on which Panxa was built.

Whether you're joining us for brunch, happy hour, dinner, or a special celebration, you'll find the same warm hospitality, thoughtful cooking, and welcoming atmosphere that Arthur and Vanessa envisioned from the very beginning.

As we look to the future, we're proud to carry Chef Arthur's vision forward—keeping the traditions alive, embracing thoughtful evolution, and continuing to share the flavors, stories, and sense of community that have made Panxa a Long Beach favorite for more than a decade.

Welcome to Panxa. We're glad you're here. ❤️