What started as a love for bold flavours, loud music, unforgettable cocktails, and late-night energy has grown into one of Cape Town’s most recognisable Cal-Mex dining experiences. Mamacitas blends the spirit of Los Angeles street food culture with the electric atmosphere of modern Cape Town nightlife — creating a space where food, tequila, music, and people collide.
Founded by husband-and-wife team Toni and Shawn Tusio, Mamacitas was built from pure obsession: obsession with flavour, atmosphere, and creating a restaurant people would remember long after the last margarita was poured. Toni’s journey into food started years before the restaurant existed, cooking professionally from a young age and developing her own approach to Tex-Mex, Cal-Mex, and Mexican-inspired cuisine. According to Toni, Shawn eventually joked that after being fed endless tacos and Mexican food at home, they may as well open a restaurant and share it with the world.
That idea became Mamacitas.
Today, the brand has become known for massive energy, packed-out venues, iconic margaritas, bold interiors, and food designed for sharing moments with friends. From taco nights and tequila-fuelled weekends to spontaneous celebrations that turn dinner into an experience, Mamacitas has become more than just a restaurant — it’s a lifestyle.
Mamacitas isn’t just growing — it’s becoming one of Cape Town’s most recognisable lifestyle restaurant brands. And now, for the first time, ambitious partners have the opportunity to be part of the next chapter.
What started on Harrington Street quickly became one of the city’s favourite Cal-Mex destinations, earning a loyal following through unforgettable food, bold interiors, high-energy atmosphere, and a tequila-fuelled experience people genuinely connect with.
From there, Mamacitas expanded to Kloof Street and Blouberg, with every new location carrying the same unmistakable identity:
big flavour, louder vibes, and a culture people want to return to again and again.
This isn’t a restaurant trend.
It’s a brand with momentum.
As demand continues to grow, Mamacitas is opening the door to franchise opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to bring the energy, attitude, and experience of Mamacitas to new locations.
The vision has always been bigger than a single restaurant:
to build a bold, lifestyle-driven brand that people recognise instantly — long before they even sit down at a table.
More locations. Bigger crowds. Stronger culture.
Same iconic Mamacitas energy.
If you’ve been looking for an opportunity to invest in a restaurant brand with proven appeal, strong identity, and serious growth potential, this is your moment to get involved.
Come for the food. Stay for the vibe.
Own the experience.
