Jose Gonzalez has worked in the Mexican restaurant industry for over 20 years but is actually originally from Panama. He came to Spokane in 2001 and has called it home ever since while never forgetting his Panamanian roots. His vision for Cantarito has been to create a menu where people can find their familiar favorites while also having a chance to discover new flavors as well as to create a space where everyone can feel welcomed and truly enjoy themselves. He’s passionate about getting to know his customers and not only providing quality service but creating friendships over the years with his regulars. It has always been his dream to open his own restaurant, and it’s finally come true.

His wife, and co-owner, Michele, is from Spokane but spent three years living in Oaxaca, Mexico where she learned Spanish and became passionate about Latin American culture, and not to mention the food! She also spent a year in Madrid, Spain studying Spanish linguistics and about the history of Hispanic culture and identity. She’s excited about bringing a mix of culture, language, and cuisine to her hometown and hopes that this restaurant will only expand in its offerings of food from different Latin American countries.