OPENING FIESTA FOR EL CAMINO CANTINA

A POPULAR Tex-Mex restaurant is preparing to open its doors today and Gold Coasters are already champing at the bit for their fajitas and margaritas.

The colourful and eclectic El Camino Cantina chain, with a cult following in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, has descended upon Robina Town Centre amid COVID-19.

But owner Rockpool Dining Group said the new dining restrictions were not a deterrent, with around 280 customers booking for the first night.

El Camino Cantina food and beverage director Molly Haranis said the longawaited launch, which was originally slated for April, was exciting and hopefully would inject positivity into the hospitality sector during the pandemic.

“COVID-19 has thrown a curveball and it’s great to finally open,” she said.

“We’ve tried to improve during the pandemic, and implement a lot of technology (like ordering via mobile phones) to make life easier.”

The Bulletin had an exclusive sneak peek of the venue, part of the Promenade waterfront dining strip, and the fit-out with neon bright lights, colourful murals, cactuses, hubcaps and skulls turned heads.

Upon choosing a free colourful sombrero, customers can enjoy a 1.5hour dine-in experience or grab takeaway to try out their festive menu, sample 700ml margaritas and nibble on bottomless baskets of free tortilla chips and salsa.

The hospitality giant was forced to close 80 restaurants when restrictions first bit in March, including The Bavarian chain.

The Bavarian Robina has reopened but the Coomera and Broadbeach venues are still closed.