Panka Peruvian, one of Des Moines’ most distinctive global restaurants and a staple on the Des Moines Register’s Essential Dining list, will close at the end of June, this time for good.
The restaurant first announced in February that it would shut down on April 29 after years of financial strain, staffing challenges and the lingering effects of the pandemic. Owner Mariela Maya, who opened Panka in 2018 as one of the city’s first Peruvian restaurants, told the Register that she could no longer keep up with rising costs and inconsistent traffic.
But in late April, a lifeline appeared. Arturo Mora, the chef‑owner behind Flame Group restaurants including Roots 95 and Flame the Taqueria, stepped in with a plan to help stabilize operations. The partnership brought new energy: menu adjustments, concept tweaks and fresh culinary talent aimed at giving Panka a second chance.
Bang bang shrimp, chicken dumplings and pan-seared salmon with quinoa joined the menu. Maya said at the time that the support gave her hope that the restaurant could continue.
That hope didn’t last.
In a heartfelt message posted this week, Panka announced that despite months of effort, the restaurant will close at the end of June. The team said they “gave it everything we had,” trying new ideas and restructuring operations, but ultimately “the timing just isn’t right.”
As part of its wind‑down, Panka has ended its Friday through Sunday brunch service and will focus solely on dinner for its final weeks. The restaurant encouraged anyone who wants one more taste of its lomo saltado, ceviche or aji‑pepper‑driven dishes to visit before the doors close.
“Come celebrate with us. Share a meal. Make one more memory,” the post read. “Let’s give Panka the farewell it deserves.”
Where to find Panka Peruvian
Sign up for our dining newsletter, Table Talk DSM, which comes out on Wednesday mornings with all the latest news on restaurants and bars in the metro. You can sign up for free at DesMoinesRegister.com/tabletalk.
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Despite rescue attempt, Panka Peruvian will close for good this month
Reporting by Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Susan Stapleton, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
