Peninsula’s newest Mexican restaurant opens in Kenai

Juan Rodriguez is a versatile man. Born in Mexico, he moved to Alaska at 18, where he worked as a commercial fisherman in Dutch Harbor for over a decade. He then moved to the Kenai Peninsula and opened several restaurants, including Acapulco Mexican Restaurant in Soldotna.

Now he’s cooking up the flavors of his homeland at a new location. Rodriguez co-owns Martha’s Cocina in Kenai with his wife, Martha. The restaurant opened a few weeks ago and serves a variety of Mexican dishes, from shrimp and halibut tacos to aptly named “monster” burritos and more.

“My responsibility as a chef is to make sure our food is always fresh,” Rodriguez said. “I’m here practically all day, from 8 or 9 in the morning until we close at 9, so we try to make it fresh every day.”

Rodriguez and his wife have been thinking about opening a second restaurant for years. Although they live in Soldotna, the family enjoys coming to Kenai to walk on the beach. They noticed a vacant building across from Alyeska Tire on Willow Street. About six months ago, they purchased the building and began renovating it.

“I really like this area,” Rodriguez said. “Willow Street in front of Country Food is pretty quiet around 5 p.m., but we want people to know we’re here and welcome the whole family.”

In addition to daily specials, Martha’s Cocina offers a full bar. Rodriguez says the restaurant offers tequila brands from around the world, allowing for a wide selection of margaritas. Guests can also find numerous beer brands on tap.

Rodriguez has been in the restaurant business for over 20 years and hopes to pass Martha’s Cocina on to his children one day.

“I have 15 years left until I retire and hopefully my children can take over the company and continue it for many years,” Rodriguez said.

The family-run restaurant held an official grand opening last week. Ahead of the opening, Rodriguez said social media helped spread the word and attract new customers.

“The community here in our area is very nice, it’s been very nice for the last 23, 24 years,” Rodriguez said. “I hope they stop by Martha’s, try it out and see what they think.”

Currently, Martha’s Cocina is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day except Wednesdays. Rodriguez says it will be open seven days a week once the restaurant hires more employees.