Customers queue out the door at new Mexican restaurant

The queue for delicious Mexican food has been flowing out the door as owners of a popular Caloundra bar open a fun new restaurant at the beachside suburb.

Matt and Monique Savage have opened Greedy Gringos at Caloundra.

MARGARITAS and fish tacos are the hottest menu items at the new, authentic Mexican restaurant at Caloundra.

Caloundra Drift Bar owners Matt and Monique Savage opened Greedy Gringos, after they were inspired by a fun experience at a Gold Coast Mexican restaurant.

The couple has transformed what was formerly Italian restaurant La Dolce Vita at the Esplanade.

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Mrs Savage said the pair always loved Mexican food and saw an opportunity to open a second business at the beachside suburb.

She said they secured a licensing agreement to sell California Tacos - a popular Mexican restaurant at Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast.

Matt and Monique Savage have opened Greedy Gringos at Caloundra. Pictured is staff member Mariana Sobral.

"Matt and I love Mexican and we always thought there was a market for it in town," she said.

"We went down to the Gold Coast and had lunch at California Tacos last year and we just kept talking about it.

"I ended up calling the owner to let him know I loved the food so much that I wanted to bring it to Caloundra and that's how it eventuated."

California Tacos recipes are used by chef Jarrod Hooson.

Matt and Monique Savage have opened Greedy Gringos at Caloundra.

Tortillas are made onsite with cooking equipment imported from America.

Ms Savage said staff which were put off during the COVID-19 pandemic were put back on to work at the new venue.

She said the most popular items in the first week were fish tacos and margaritas.

The venue offers dine-in and takeaway, but is not taking dine-in bookings.

She said they've had people queuing outside keen to get in and enjoy an authentic Mexican meal and beverages.

"The first week has been fabulous," she said.

"We wanted something casual, family-friendly and fun and funky."

The restaurant and bar is open seven days a week, from 11.30am.

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