St. Pete's Nueva Cantina coming to Brandon this fall

Just months after opening a sister restaurant in Downtown Tampa, St. Petersburg’s Nueva Cantina has announced plans to bring its genuine Mexican street food to the Brandon area this fall. 

The restaurant’s third location, at 10033 E. Adamo Drive, will take over the Cherry’s Bar & Grill spot in the Brandon Crossings Plaza located off Interstate 75’s exit 256, near the Brandon Exchange mall. 

The restaurant is targeted to open in October 2025, a spokesman told the Business Observer. 

“Brandon is growing fast, and we’re excited to bring our tacos, margaritas, and vibes into the community,” says Owner and CEO Raul Medina.

Image via Nueva Cantina / Facebook

Nueva Cantina has served up freshly squeezed margaritas and street-style tacos from its Old Southeast flagship, at 1625 4th Street South, since 2016. Favorites like birria barbacoa tacos are made with ingredients sourced directly from Mexico and prepared by cooks from Jalisco and Mexico City. 

In May, the restaurant opened its second location at 903 N. Franklin St. in downtown Tampa. 

The Brandon location, the release states, will feature the same signature style as its predecessors, with indoor and outdoor bars, vibrant decor and a bold menu by Executive Chef and Partner Danny Jimenez featuring favorites such as slow-cooked barbacoa, Mexican pizza and a 12-taco tour platter. 

“We’re not just opening a restaurant – we’re creating an experience," says vice president of construction Claudio Hernandes, who helped design the immersive spaces in both St. Pete and Tampa, in the statement.  

“From the flavors to the atmosphere, we want Brandon to feel transported," Hernandes adds. 

And just like its other locations, Nueva Cantina’s Brandon restaurant will be an entirely employee-owned venture, the spokesman told the Business Observer. Top employees at each location have equity in their restaurant and can become partners.  

"The company is committed to directly connecting the success of the restaurant and brand to those who matter most in our business - our employees," Medina says.