Tacos & Tequila Cantina opens in The Villages’ Eastport

Tacos & Tequila’s colorfully clad staff celebrate the grand opening of the new Tex-Mex restaurant in The Villages’ Eastport.

Provided by HMC Hospitality Grou

USA TODAY Network, Reuters

The company that launched the Hooters brand has brought its latest Tex-Mex venture to Central Florida.

HMC Hospitality Group opened the doors to Tacos & Tequila Cantina on Nov. 12 at 6994 Eastport Drive in The Villages.

The launch marks a major milestone in an ongoing expansion effort.

In 2025, HMC Hospitality Group signed a licensing deal with the cantina to develop new locations across Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, as well as The Villages.

The new Eastport Drive restaurant represents the brand’s sixth Florida location and its first in Central Florida.

How spacious is Tacos & Tequila?

The expansive new bar and eatery is designed to accommodate 194 guests, featuring seating for 105 indoors and 89 on an outdoor patio.

Is it dog-friendly?

Well-behaved dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating areas, and servers frequently provide water bowls for visiting pets.

How many people have been hired?

The Villages’ newly opened Tacos & Tequila is bringing 70 new jobs to the area.

Chef-inspired flavors and a festive atmosphere

Expect an environment that caters to Villagers’ appetites for distinctive (but not-too-out-there) food and refreshing margaritas.

The restaurant features a scratch kitchen turning out “fun, unconventional Tex-Mex cuisine and specialty drinks with an Americana flair,” according to HMC. “Diners can expect premium ingredients, fresh local products, authentic tortillas, and top-shelf liquors, alongside a tequila list designed for lingering,” we’re told.

Tacos & Tequila has garnered praise in a USA TODAY 10 Best article which says that the eatery “is the kind of Mex place that puts ‘party’ in the equation, but its food is genuine and fresh,” while also highlighting the affordable quality.

Inside the new Villages location, eclectic decor and upbeat music help bring the fiesta. Servers are trained to be friendly and energetic, and unique custom artwork created by local artist Brad Bauser hangs on the walls.

A couple’s labor of amor

Founded in 2013 by Kelly and Aldo Musico, Tacos & Tequila Cantina originally built its reputation with a string of successful locations in Naples and Estero.

Over the past three years, the Musicos have collaborated with HMC Hospitality Group to bring a neighborhood hospitality vibe and fresh food appeal to a wider audience without sacrificing quality (we hope).

The Eastport opening is the culmination of this dedicated three-year partnership. Tacos & Tequila co-owner Kelly Musico emphasized that both organizations “share a deep passion for community and a commitment to providing an ultimate customer experience.”

When is it open?

Tacos & Tequila Cantina will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For more information, locals can visit tacosandtequilafl.com or call 352-850-8226.

This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Tacos & Tequila Cantina opens in The Villages’ Eastport

Reporting by Julie Garisto, Leesburg Daily Commercial / Daily Commercial

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

This story was originally published November 14, 2026 at 8:02 AM.