Friday, October 16, 2026
The word cabana is synonymous with beaches and the seaside — a place where families can relax, enjoy good food and music, and get away from the normal stresses of life.
And patrons of The Cabana Mexican American Restaurant have been taking of advantage of those attributes as the eatery at 1034 West Beech Street in Long Beach celebrated its 20th anniversary on July 26 with live music and a party open to the public.
Bob and Tracey Johnson have owned The Cabana for two decades. A bartender his whole life, and she a waitress previously — as well as a fourth-generation Long Beach resident —they’ve been entrenched in the community for many years.
Approached by the previous owners to take over the vacant space, Johnson didn’t want to turn down the opportunity.
“It’s a great location with great history,” he said.
The Cabana is in the West End of Long Beach. Johnson said that the success of his business relies on understanding the ever-changing community.
“You have to take the time to learn the people,” he said, “understand the cycle, learn whom your customers are, be present.” It is through this understanding that he is able to make improvements and generate ideas.
The connections Johnson has established have also been a major part of his success. Affiliations with the Long Beach Polar Bears, Long Beach Catholic School, as well as the Michelle O’Neill Volleyball tournament and the Michael Diamond Charitable Foundation have been tremendous for the restaurant’s success.
“Community support is everything,” Johnson said.
He said November to March are challenging, there is a 50 percent decline in business due to colder weather and the holiday season. Bob and Tracy have also overcome challenges such as Hurricane Sandy and the Covid pandemic.
Asked what is the most valuable lesson he’s learned, Johnson preached the importance of understanding the “trajectory of the business,” and being able to deal with the “everyday problems.”
He hopes to continue to enjoy the restaurant and maintain a staff that he says has become more like a family. His children have grown up there, and many friends and other co-workers return for multiple years. They’ve demonstrated that they can be independent — a quality Johnson desires as he transitions toward a less controlling approach to staff operations.
One “family member” is Chris Nolan, a Long Beach resident and lifelong friend of the Johnsons. Nolan has worked at The Cabana since 2007 — in a variety of roles, from barback, to “behind the line” as a chef.
“There’s something nostalgic about the place,” he said, “it’s home, like a family, with bonds and friendships.”
One block from the oceanfront, The Cabana menu boasts a variety of items: Its famous frozen Margarita is a recipe Johnson has had for 20 years from the previous establishment, The Baja. The Terrapin Tacos are named after Grateful Dead’s ”Terrapin Station” album. The Cabana often plays host to bands and artists.
