OVIEDO, Fla. – Central Florida-based Mexican chain Pepe’s Cantina welcomed customers over the weekend at its first restaurant in Seminole County.
The restaurant’s parking lot along Alafaya Trail and Econ River Place was packed Friday and Saturday evenings, with short wait times for indoor tables.
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The new Oviedo location, located less than 2 miles from the UCF campus, celebrated its grand opening on Friday.
“I’d say in one word: success,” co-owner Frank Chavez told News 6.
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The restaurant becomes the chain’s fourth location since Chavez and Jose “Pepe” Baranenko opened their first cantina in Winter Park’s Hannibal Square in 2016.
The local chain’s International Drive and Church Street locations closed in 2020 and 2021, respectively.
The menu at Pepe’s Cantina boasts a variety of authentic Mexican ingredients, including salsa made with fresh tomatoes and tableside guacamole, as well as specialty margaritas.
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Chavez says obtaining licenses and renovating the space of the former La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant was a long process.
“We were blessed to be able to have hired a bunch of people... and we’re thankful for the Oviedo community for the support that we’ve got.”
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When it comes to expanding to more Florida neighborhoods and beyond, Chavez says they’re taking baby steps.
“I do want to eventually get out of the state, but I have to start local and focus on Central Florida and towards Tampa, towards South Florida little by little,” he said.
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