Print
Restaurants

Tequila's Waterfront Closes, Making Way For New Concept

By Emma Dill, posted May 4, 2026
Tequila’s Comida & Cantina Waterfront closed in downtown Wilmington on Monday. (Photo by Matt Ray)
Tequila’s Comida & Cantina Waterfront closed in downtown Wilmington on Monday.

The contemporary Mexican restaurant, which opened at 14 Harnett St. in 2024, is closing “following a mutual and amicable decision between partners Zephyr Development Co. and brothers Ramón and Miguel Villaseñor,” according to a news release. A second Tequila Comida & Cantina restaurant is located in the Village at Myrtle Grove retail center at 5607 Carolina Beach Road.

Zephyr Development Co. developed Port City Marina and owns the buildings that house Marina Grill and Tequila’s Comida & Cantina Waterfront. The Villaseñors also own several locations of Los Portales supermarkets in the Wilmington area.

A statement posted to the restaurant's social media pages on Monday called the closing "bittersweet," while thanking the community for its continued support.

"We're incredibly grateful for the memories created at this special waterfront location and for the community, staff and loyal guests who made it such a vibrant part of downtown Wilmington and the Marina District," the statement read.

According to the news release, the transition marks an “exciting new chapter” for all parties involved.  

“Ramón and Miguel Villaseñor will be focusing on expanding their growing portfolio of businesses, including their newest Los Portales Supermarket location and additional ventures currently in development,” the release stated. “For Zephyr Development Co., the closure creates an opportunity to reimagine the waterfront space. The location will soon welcome a new concept from Giorgios Bakatsias and the Giorgios Hospitality Group, bringing fresh energy and a new dining experience to Downtown Wilmington and The Marina District.”

Giorgios Bakatsias is the founder of Giorgios Hospitality Group, which owns Kipos Hellenic Cuisine and G Prime Steak & Cellar restaurant in Wilmington. 

“While we are sad to see Tequila’s Waterfront come to a close, we are incredibly proud of what was built here and grateful for the memories created,” said the ownership group in a joint statement. “We remain optimistic about the future of this waterfront location and are excited to see what comes next for our community.”

Details about the upcoming concept from Giorgios Hospitality Group will be announced in the coming weeks, according to the release.
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Untitleddesign14 2142522346

Cape Fear Buyers See More Options as Active Listings Reach New Highs

Janet Kane - Cape Fear REALTORS
Untitleddesign 632515822

A Life in Music: Naomi Amos Inspires Through Every Note

Lisa Polanski - Porters Neck Village
Mcwhorter 0005

Afraid of Choosing the Wrong Idea? Start Here

Heather McWhorter - UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Trending News

Coastal Land Trust Strikes Deal To Preserve More Than 3,200 Acres Of Sledge Forest

Cierra Noffke - Jun 25, 2026

Refinery Project Eyeing Brunswick County Could Bring $500M Investment, 300 Jobs

Emma Dill - Jun 26, 2026

Tech Wilmington: Upcoming Events Calendar

Staff Reports - Jun 24, 2026

As Local Firms Exit State Incentive Deals, 2 Remain Active

Emma Dill - Jun 25, 2026

Brunswick Realtors: Home Sales Hit New High In May

Staff Reports - Jun 26, 2026

In The Current Issue

Banks See NC Branch ‘renaissance’

In February, Chase announced it would be opening more than 160 branches in 30 states this year alone. That includes multiple locations in th...


Local Shops Stir Up Coffee Culture

​“More people caring about quality coffee is ultimately a good thing for all of us,” said Kevin Welch, vice president of operations and mark...


State July 4 Festival Shifts For Financial Stability

Officials said that the N.C. Fourth of July Festival is an annual fundraising miracle that can’t be taken for granted because there’s no fin...

Book On Business

The 2026 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2024 Power Breakfast: The Next Season