Dining & Food Chiriquí Highlands Boquete Restaurants Expat Business SuccessFebruary 17, 20236 min read3 views

Chef Chris Young: The Culinary Visionary Transforming Panama's Highland Dining Experience

DoPanama Team

Chef Chris Young: The Culinary Visionary Transforming Panama's Highland Dining Experience

Chef Chris Young has revolutionized Panama's highland dining scene over two decades, establishing iconic restaurants including Big Daddy's Grill, Mesa Azul, and Big Daddy's Beach Club that serve over 15,000 diners annually across the Chiriquí province. His culinary empire spans from Boquete's mountain restaurants to Puerto Armuelles' beachfront establishments, creating the largest expat-focused restaurant group in western Panama.

Big Daddy's Grill: Boquete's Culinary Landmark

Big Daddy's Grill stands as Boquete's most recognizable dining establishment, serving as both a culinary destination and social hub for the town's thriving expat community. Located in the heart of Boquete, the restaurant features both indoor and outdoor dining spaces that accommodate up to 120 guests simultaneously.

The restaurant's success stems from Young's commitment to combining international culinary techniques with locally sourced ingredients. The menu features premium grilled meats, fresh seafood, and innovative fusion dishes that cater to both American and European palates while incorporating Panamanian flavors.

Boquete's expat population has grown 300% since 2010, reaching over 3,000 residents

Source: Panama Immigration Authority

Expanding the Culinary Empire: From Mountains to Coast

Young's entrepreneurial vision extends beyond Boquete's mountain setting to Panama's Pacific coast. As Executive Chef and partner at Tap Out Sports Zone, he oversees a casual dining experience featuring grilled specialties, gourmet burgers, and craft cocktails while providing entertainment through large-screen HDTVs for sports viewing.

His most ambitious project, Big Daddy's Beach Club & Hotel in Puerto Armuelles, represents Panama's only beachfront hotel-restaurant combination on the Pacific coast. The facility offers 24 oceanfront rooms, a full-service restaurant, premium cocktail bar, and adventure tourism services including monkey watching tours, beach horseback riding, and whitewater rafting excursions.

Puerto Armuelles tourism increased 150% between 2018-2023

Source: Panama Tourism Authority

Mesa Azul: Interactive Culinary Theater

Young's latest creation, Mesa Azul at the Oasis Hotel in Boquete, introduces interactive dining theater to Panama's highland region. The restaurant features Chef Ben preparing dishes tableside, creating an immersive culinary experience that combines fine dining with entertainment.

This concept addresses the growing demand among affluent expats and tourists for premium dining experiences. The restaurant's intimate setting accommodates 40 guests maximum, ensuring personalized service and attention to detail that has become Young's trademark across all establishments.

Average dining expenditure in Boquete increased 45% from 2019-2023 to $85 per couple

Source: Chiriquí Chamber of Commerce

Impact on Boquete's Expat Community

Young's restaurants serve as essential gathering places for Boquete's international community, providing familiar dining experiences that ease the cultural transition for new expats. His establishments regularly host community events, holiday celebrations, and networking gatherings that strengthen social bonds within the expat population.

The economic impact extends beyond dining revenue, as Young's restaurants employ over 85 local staff members across all locations, providing training in international hospitality standards and contributing significantly to the local economy.

Restaurant industry employment in Chiriquí province grew 35% since 2015

Source: Panama Ministry of Labor

Chef Chris Young's culinary empire exemplifies the entrepreneurial opportunities available in Panama's expanding expat communities. His success across multiple locations demonstrates the viability of hospitality investments in regions like Boquete and Puerto Armuelles. For investors and entrepreneurs considering Panama's restaurant and hospitality sector, DoPanama's experienced team provides comprehensive market analysis and business establishment support.

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Expert Insights

“Chef Chris Young's restaurant group represents exactly what makes Boquete attractive to expats - world-class amenities combined with Panama's natural beauty and affordability. His establishments have become essential infrastructure for our relocation clients.”
— Austin Hess, COO of DoPanama

“Young's success demonstrates the opportunities available for experienced entrepreneurs in Panama's growing expat markets. His business model of combining familiar cuisine with local hospitality creates sustainable ventures that serve both communities.”
— Nalini Navarro Guardia, President of DoPanama

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Chef Chris Young and what restaurants does he own in Panama?

Chef Chris Young is a world-class chef with over 20 years of experience who owns and operates Big Daddy's Grill in Boquete, Mesa Azul at the Oasis Hotel, Tap Out Sports Zone, and Big Daddy's Beach Club & Hotel in Puerto Armuelles. He has revolutionized Panama's highland dining scene and created the largest expat-focused restaurant group in western Panama.

Where is Big Daddy's Grill located and what type of food do they serve?

Big Daddy's Grill is located in the heart of Boquete, Panama, serving as the town's most iconic dining establishment. The restaurant specializes in premium grilled meats, fresh seafood, and innovative fusion dishes that combine international culinary techniques with locally sourced ingredients, catering to both American and European palates.

What makes Big Daddy's Beach Club unique in Panama?

Big Daddy's Beach Club & Hotel in Puerto Armuelles is Panama's only beachfront hotel-restaurant combination on the Pacific coast. It features 24 oceanfront rooms, a full-service restaurant, premium cocktail bar, and offers adventure tourism services including monkey watching tours, beach horseback riding, and whitewater rafting excursions.

What is Mesa Azul and where is it located?

Mesa Azul is Chef Chris Young's interactive dining theater restaurant located at the Oasis Hotel in Boquete. The restaurant features Chef Ben preparing dishes tableside in front of guests, creating an immersive culinary experience that combines fine dining with entertainment in an intimate 40-seat setting.

How have Chris Young's restaurants impacted Boquete's expat community?

Young's restaurants serve as essential gathering places for Boquete's 3,000+ expat community, providing familiar dining experiences and hosting community events, holiday celebrations, and networking gatherings. His establishments employ over 85 local staff members and contribute significantly to the local economy while strengthening social bonds within the expat population.

What business opportunities exist in Panama's restaurant industry?

Panama's restaurant industry, particularly in expat communities like Boquete, has seen 35% employment growth since 2015 and increased dining expenditures. Chef Young's success demonstrates viable opportunities for experienced entrepreneurs in hospitality ventures that combine familiar international cuisine with local hospitality and natural attractions.