Pepe’s Cantina is rapidly expanding! The Modern Mexican and Tex-Mex fare booming small chain is working on another Florida opening, this time in Lighthouse Point. According to a Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation permit, the new Pepe’s Cantina is expected to open within The Shoppes at Beacon Light at 2410 N FEDERAL HWY.
The shopping center is located along the Federal Highway commercial corridor right on the border between Pompano Beach and Lighthouse Point. While often associated with the Lighthouse Point community, the specific parcel sits directly along the US-1 (Federal Highway) commercial strip overlapping the Pompano Beach and Lighthouse Point municipal limits. This stretch of Federal Highway acts as a shared commercial boundary featuring local dining, shopping, and businesses serving both Lighthouse Point and northern Pompano Beach neighborhoods.
What Now Miami reached out to Pepe’s Cantina franchisee Samuel Flores, who was listed on the permit. Unfortunately, we did not hear back from Flores by the time of this publication.
“Pepe’s Cantina offers its signature blend of authentic Mexican ingredients and innovative culinary techniques. Pepe’s Cantina team are ready to bring the best of Mexico right to your table! We promise you will love every bite,” the Pepe’s Cantina website reads.
“We invite you to come and enjoy a unique Mexican experience in a friendly and fun atmosphere!”
Pepe’s Cantina first opened in November 2015 in Winter Park and was created by entrepreneurs Frank Chavez and Stuart Kirban. Chavez and Kirban launched the brand in 2015 by converting a former paella restaurant in Winter Park’s Hannibal Square. The name “Pepe” comes from the common Spanish nickname for Jose, co-owner and chef Jose Baranenko.
The concept grew into a Florida chain, expanding to locations including Downtown Orlando, International Drive, Clermont, DeBary, Oviedo, Avalon Park, Port St. Lucie, and St. Petersburg. There are now seven Pepe’s Cantina locations operating in Florida, with several more locations coming soon.
What Now also briefly spoke with Chavez, who confirmed the opening. But Chavez was unable to share further details by the time of this publication.
“A new Pepe’s Cantina location is on its way,” the Lighthouse Point page on the Pepe’s Cantina website reads. The location is one of many listed as coming soon on the brand’s website.
Designed to be a fun, trendy, and casual dining experience, Pepe’s Cantina is known for modern Mexican and Tex-Mex fare, including tableside-prepared guacamole, handcrafted margaritas, fresh handmade tortillas, and daily-made salsas.
Try it all out for yourself when the new Pepe’s Cantina opens in Lighthouse Point within The Shoppes at Beacon Light at 2410 N FEDERAL HWY later this year or early next year.
(This is a developing story. As more information is made available, we will update this article. Stay tuned!)
