Will Restaurants Investment Group (WRIG) has opened its newest eatery in Alpharetta City Center, Tex-Mex-inspired Cantina Loca.
Situated between Lapeer and Never Enough Thyme along North Broad Street, the restaurant is the newest addition to the mixed-use destination’s collection of locally-owned restaurants, joining the recently-opened Indian street food chain Curry Up Now and 10 other eateries.
“Our roster of diverse dining options continues to grow, and I’m delighted that we can provide such an eclectic lineup for the downtown area,” Ashley Majors, Alpharetta City Center property manager, said in a press release this week. “A Tex-Mex-centered establishment is something that Alpharetta City Center has missed, and I look forward to seeing it grow into another place where our neighbors can gather and have fun in a casual, welcoming environment.”
The menu incorporates “spins on customary recipes using traditional Mexican flavors” such as the Chorizo Burger topped with guacamole and chihuahua cheese, and the Blackened Grouper Tacos with mango salsa.
Guests can also enjoy a margarita bar offering fresh juices and a variety of up to 25 different types of tequila. The drink menu offers selections such as the “Guava-rita” with Don Julio Añejo and fresh guava puree, and “The Blue Agave” with Blue Nectar Tequila, Cointreau and Blue Curaçao. In addition, Cantina Loca’s “Coronita” brings a classic favorite to downtown Alpharetta in the form of a traditional margarita topped with an upended bottle of Corona beer.
WRIG is known for its Central City Tavern brand, with locations in Alpharetta City Center, Sugar Hill, and opening soon in Buford. The restaurant management company plans to open a Cantina Loca concept alongside each Central City Tavern location, with an expansion of the brand pair slated for several other markets.
The group is currently hiring for multiple positions at Cantina Loca, including servers, bartenders, hosts and line cooks, all of which will be compensated with a minimum wage of $15.
“We look forward to recruiting a team of dedicated employees to join us at Cantina Loca in Alpharetta and carry on the tradition of comradery we have established at our other concepts,” Kasie O’Neal, director of operations at Will Restaurants Investment Group, said. “We are thrilled to offer Alpharettans another dining destination where they can enjoy great food and conversation.”
Cantina Loca celebrated its grand opening on Cinco de Mayo and will continue hosting live music and offering specials throughout the week, followed by an official ribbon-cutting ceremony later this month. The restaurant is now open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
