Love of Food and Country at American Charlie Grill & Tavern

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - One Panama City Beach restaurant is cooking up the best cuisine in the land of the free. American Charlie’s Grill and Tavern boasts American food and proudly displays the stars and stripes.

The restaurant opened up in the Shoppes at Edgewater on R. Jackson Blvd in Panama City Beach on Groundhog Day 2022. Michael Whitmer and Dave Trepanier came up with the idea a few years back.

“American Charlie manifested as a food truck and then we kind of blew it up into a full concept,” said Michael Whitmer, Managing Partner.

The restaurant serves up everything from fried chicken to ribeye steaks, all with American theme names.

“If you could come up with an American food list, you can probably find it on this menu,” said Whitmer.

If that wasn’t America enough for you, they have American-themed décor. Boasting everything from Mount Rushmore, the Statue of Liberty and bald eagles.

”Why not have a place that’s pro country. Our tag line is love of food, love of country,” said Whitmer.

Even though the restaurant has only been open for a few months, it already has regulars.

“It’s the third time we have been to this restaurant, it is wonderful,” said Sue Gleason, a customer that comes to Panama City Beach in the winter. ”I like the atmosphere and the food, and the owner is a sweetheart.”

For Michael and the staff, it’s their way of honoring their country.

“Because I think it’s going the other direction many years here recently. I for one, I know Dave my partner and I know my staff too, we are very proud of our country. Are we perfect? No. But do we try and do better and be the best that we can be? Of course we do.”

A one-of-a-kind place, from this sea to other shining seas.

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