Tacos & Tequila Cantina Credit: Photo via HMC Hospitality Group

Tampa Bay has no shortage of quality taco options, but a popular Florida Tex-Mex chain is headed to the Tampa Bay region regardless.

HMC Hospitality Group, formerly known as Hooters Management Corporation, announced plans this week to bring Southwest Florida chain Tacos & Tequila Cantina to the Tampa Bay region and The Villages over the next few years.

The chain’s menu spans everything from traditional style street corn and tacos to its signature “T&T Tacos,” which includes tacos made with less conventional ingredients like fried chicken, Buffalo chicken, cheeseburger toppings, pancakes, steak and American cheese, and more.

Launched in Naples in 2013 by Aldo’s Italian Table & Bar founders Kelly and Aldo Musico, the chain started as a sort of side project for the couple.

“He’s never liked Mexican food,” says Kelly Musico in a 2022 interview. “So I said, ‘I’m going to open my own restaurant, and I’ll be your competition.’ That’s how it started, and we had no idea that it would grow into what it has now.”

Tacos & Tequila Cantina No exact address announced Tampa Bay has no shortage of quality taco options, but a popular Florida Tex-Mex chain is headed to the Tampa Bay region regardless. HMC Hospitality Group, formerly known as Hooters Management Corporation, recently announced plans to bring Southwest Florida chain Tacos & Tequila Cantina to the Tampa Bay region and The Villages over the next few years. The chain’s menu spans everything from traditional style street corn and tacos to its signature “T&T Tacos,” which includes tacos made with less conventional ingredients like fried chicken, Buffalo chicken, cheeseburger toppings, pancakes, steak and American cheese, and more. The company currently has four locations across Naples and Fort Myers. Photo via HMC Hospitality Group Credit: Photo via HMC Hospitality Group

The company currently has four locations across Naples and Fort Myers.

“Partnering with Kelly and Aldo was a no-brainer to continue to grow our portfolio beyond the Hooters brand. We have similar company values and commitment to providing the ultimate customer experience through quality food and a fun atmosphere. We look forward to emulating their success throughout the Tampa Bay area and Central Florida and working together for many years to come,” said HMC Hospitality Group Chief Development Officer Bill Moore in a statement.

No exact opening date or location was announce, but HMC Hospitality Group says it hopes to open its first Tampa area Tacos & Tequila Cantina location sometime in 2025.