A new smash burger restaurant with a Latin flair will open its doors in downtown Orlando soon.
Papi Smash, which is the creation of Chef Christopher Hernandez, will move into the former location of Jimmy Hula’s at 68 E Pine Street, catty-corner to the CityArts building.
The restaurant is currently under buildout, with plans to open in September.
The Papi’s brand is no stranger to the smash burger, with Hernandez having operated a food truck (Papi’s Livin Comida Loca) that showcases Latin American flavors and the chef’s take on things like Nashville Hot Chicken.
Hernandez’s speciality burgers feature a bevy of specially prepared toppings. That includes the Noche en Miami, a smash burger topped with roasted pork, a guava reduction, mojo aioli, caramelized plantains and cheese.
The chef honed his craft through training at Michelin-starred restaurants and a bevy of private dining and catering services.
For more information on the business, or the to follow the chef, follow Chef Christopher Hernandez on Instagram.
The restaurant joins over a dozen others that have either opened recently or are in various stages of opening in and around Orlando’s downtown area, including Huey Magoo’s and a new 4Rivers Smokehouse in south downtown (SoDo).