Since 2006

About Guzman y Gomez — Our Story

Guzman y Gomez is Australia's home of fresh, bold Mexican food. Discover the people, passion and purpose that drive us to serve gyg flavours loved across the country.

Guzman y Gomez kitchen team preparing fresh Mexican food

Our Company Story

Born From a Passion for Real Mexican Food

Guzman y Gomez was founded in 2006 in Sydney, Australia, with one simple but powerful idea: serve authentic, fresh Mexican food made from quality ingredients — without shortcuts. What started as a single restaurant in Newtown quickly became a movement.

Our founders, Steven Marks and Robert Hazan, were inspired by the vibrant street food culture they experienced in Mexico and the United States. They saw a gap in the Australian market for real, wholesome Mexican food — and they filled it. Today, Guzman y Gomez — known affectionately as GYG — has grown to over 180 locations across Australia, Japan, Singapore and the United States.

We remain committed to our founding promise: every ingredient is fresh, every meal is made with care, and every customer deserves the best. That's the GYG difference.

2006 Founded in Sydney

180+ Restaurants

4 Countries

Why We Exist

Our Mission, Vision & Purpose

At Guzman y Gomez, everything we do is guided by a clear set of principles — from the way we source ingredients to how we serve our communities.

Our Mission

To revolutionise fast food by proving that quick, convenient meals can also be fresh, nutritious and genuinely delicious. We refuse to compromise on quality — ever.

Our Vision

To become the world's most loved Mexican food brand — a place where every customer feels welcomed, every meal feels handcrafted and every community feels supported.

Our Purpose

Food is culture, connection and joy. We exist to share the vibrant spirit of Mexican cuisine with every Australian — and to inspire the fast-food industry to do better.

What We Stand For

The Values That Drive Every GYG Decision

Our values aren't just words on a wall — they shape how we hire, how we cook, how we serve and how we grow.

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Fresh Always

We use fresh, whole ingredients — no freezers, no shortcuts. Every item is prepared in-store, every day.

Community First

We invest in the neighbourhoods we serve — supporting local suppliers, charitable initiatives and local employment.

Relentless Quality

We never settle. Every bowl, burrito and taco must meet our exacting standards before it reaches you.

Sustainable Practices

We're committed to reducing our environmental footprint — from eco packaging to responsible sourcing.

Genuine Warmth

Every GYG team member is trained to deliver service with real energy, care and a smile — always.

Bold Innovation

We push the boundaries of Mexican cuisine, constantly developing exciting new menu items and concepts.

Our Journey

Guzman y Gomez History & Milestones

From a single restaurant in Newtown to a globally recognised Mexican food brand — here's how the GYG story unfolded.

2006

The First GYG Opens

Steven Marks and Robert Hazan open the first Guzman y Gomez restaurant in Newtown, Sydney — with a vision to transform fast food using real, fresh Mexican flavours.

2010

Sydney Expansion Begins

With incredible community support, GYG expands rapidly across Sydney — opening multiple new locations and refining its fresh Mexican food menu.

2013

National Rollout Across Australia

Guzman y Gomez launches in Melbourne, Brisbane and Queensland — becoming a true national Australian restaurant brand and reaching 50 locations.

2015

International Expansion — Japan

GYG opens its first international restaurant in Tokyo, Japan — bringing fresh Australian-Mexican food to an enthusiastic new audience and proving the global appetite for quality.

2019

Singapore & 100 Restaurants

A landmark year: GYG opens in Singapore and celebrates its 100th restaurant milestone — a testament to Australia's love of fresh, flavourful Mexican food done right.

2023

US Launch & ASX Listing

Guzman y Gomez launches in the United States and lists on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), marking a new chapter of growth for Australia's most exciting restaurant brand.

Today

180+ Locations & Still Growing

With over 180 restaurants across four countries, GYG continues its mission to change fast food forever — one fresh burrito at a time. Order Now and taste the difference.

Meet the Team

The People Behind Every Great Meal

Our passionate team brings Guzman y Gomez to life every day — with creativity, dedication and a whole lot of love for Mexican food.

Steven Marks

Co-Founder & CEO

The visionary behind GYG, Steven's obsession with authentic Mexican flavour and bold leadership transformed a single Newtown restaurant into an international food brand.

Maria Santos

Head Chef & Culinary Director

Maria brings over 20 years of culinary expertise to GYG, crafting the bold and authentic recipes that keep customers coming back for more every single day.

James Nguyen

Head of Operations

James oversees the seamless running of GYG's 180+ locations, ensuring every restaurant delivers the same exceptional standard of fresh food and warm service.

Sophie Williams

Marketing Director

Sophie leads the brand strategy and creative direction that makes GYG Australia's most recognisable and beloved Mexican food restaurant chain.

Want to be part of the GYG team? We're always looking for passionate people to join our family.

Join Our Team Own a Franchise

Ready to Taste the
Guzman y Gomez Difference?

Fresh ingredients, bold Mexican flavours and a team that cares. Visit your nearest GYG or order online today.

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