About
A standard born in a coconut shell
La Tapa Group is the restaurant group founded by Isaac Villaverde in San Francisco, Panama City. Restaurants, kitchens and brands united by one purpose and one standard.
The story
It all started with a coconut shell
In San Francisco, Panama City, Isaac Villaverde opened La Tapa del Coco: a restaurant that turned Afro-Panamanian roots cooking into a chef-driven experience. The restaurant became a reference, the cuisine became a movement and the name became a seal.
Today that seal is La Tapa Group: restaurants, kitchens and brands run from our HQ in San Francisco, opening paths for Afro-Panamanian culture in Panama and beyond.
Why we exist
Purpose
“To research, reimagine and share the richness of Afro-Panamanian culture.”
With a deep commitment to the socioeconomic development of our team and our community. We don’t just cook: we explore our roots and share them with the world.
Vision
“To be the global reference for Afro-Panamanian culinary heritage.”
To inspire people to connect, strengthen and celebrate Afro-descendant cultural identity around the world, from San Francisco to the whole diaspora.
Mission
“To create authentic culinary experiences and products that honor our culture.”
With creativity, innovation and a deep commitment to quality and continuous improvement, in every dish, every product and every experience.
Purpose → Vision → Mission → Values → Action → Impact → Reflection → and back to Purpose
Our values
Five words we cook with every day
01
Creativity
We don’t believe in absolute truths: we reimagine tradition.
02
Discipline
We practice, practice and keep going.
03
Excellence
Progress over perfection: how can it be better?
04
Resilience
We fall with grace and rise stronger.
05
Synergy
The whole is more than the sum of its parts.
The Inner Circle
The people who make things happen
Isaac Villaverde
CEO · Chef Founder
Founder of the group and captain of the ship: from La Tapa del Coco to a movement taking Afro-Panamanian culture to the world.
Julius Villaverde
CFO
Leads the group’s finance, administration and systems: the order behind the flavor.
Armando Bramwell
Group Executive Chef
Keeper of the culinary standard: the same excellence in every kitchen, in every unit.
Dora Miranda
Chief of Staff
Runs the HQ and the group’s priorities: wherever something is pending, she makes it happen.
Press, partners and projects
Write to us and we’ll connect you with the right person. Looking for a job? Send your CV to people@latapagroup.com.