Steven Marks
Co-Founder & Executive Chairman
The visionary behind GYG's founding philosophy, Steven brought his New York energy and love of authentic Mexican food to Australia, building a brand that changed how the nation eats.
Our Story
About Guzman y Gomez
Bold Mexican flavours, proudly served across Australia. This is the GYG story — where passion meets purpose and every bite tells a tale.
Who We Are
The Guzman y Gomez Story
Guzman y Gomez — known and loved as GYG — was born from a simple but powerful idea: that fast food doesn't have to mean compromised food. Founded with a deep respect for authentic Mexican culinary traditions, we set out to bring bold, honest flavours to Australia in a way that was accessible, fresh, and downright delicious.
From our first kitchen to a network of restaurants across the country, every GYG location carries the same spirit — real ingredients, vibrant recipes, and a community of people who believe food should make you feel good. We source quality produce, prepare salsas fresh daily, and cook with the kind of care that shows in every burrito, taco, and bowl we serve.
Today, guzman y gomez continues to grow, but our heart hasn't changed. We're still the same team that obsesses over the perfect guacamole, debates the ideal chilli heat, and greets every guest like a friend walking through the door.
"To liberate Mexican food culture and use the platform we've built to make a real difference — in what people eat and in the communities we serve."
200+
Locations
18yrs
Experience
5M+
Happy Guests
100%
Fresh Daily
What Drives Us
Our Mission & Values
Everything we do at GYG flows from a set of core values that guide our kitchens, our team and our communities.
Fresh, Always
Every salsa, every guac, every protein — prepared fresh each day. We never compromise on the quality of what goes into our food or onto your plate.
Community First
We invest in the neighbourhoods where we operate. From local sourcing partnerships to community events, GYG is about people, not just portions.
Sustainability
We're committed to reducing our environmental footprint — from sustainable packaging to responsible sourcing — because good food and a good planet go hand in hand.
Inclusive Culture
GYG is a place for everyone. We celebrate diversity on our team and on our menu — welcoming all backgrounds, diets, and tastes through our doors.
Best Fast Casual
QSR Media Awards 2023
Sustainability Leader
Green Restaurant Initiative
Top Employer
Hospitality Industry Australia
People's Choice
Taste of Australia 2024
How We Got Here
Our Journey
From a single kitchen dream to Australia's most loved Mexican restaurant chain — here's the GYG timeline.
The Beginning
First Restaurant Opens
Guzman y Gomez opened its first restaurant in Newtown, Sydney, with a mission to serve authentic Mexican street food made with real, fresh ingredients — and a queue that stretched around the block from day one.
2006
Rapid Growth
Expanding Across Sydney
The GYG concept resonated deeply with Australians hungry for vibrant, honest food. Within four years, we expanded to multiple Sydney locations, refining our menu and building a loyal community of guests and crew.
2010
National Expansion
Going Australia-Wide
GYG broke out of New South Wales and began a national rollout, bringing bold Mexican flavours to Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. Our franchise model allowed passionate operators to bring the GYG spirit to their communities.
2014
Digital Innovation
GYG App & Online Ordering
We launched our digital ordering platform and GYG app, making it easier than ever for fans to customise, order, and enjoy their favourites. The app became one of the most-downloaded food apps in Australia within its first year.
2018
200+ Restaurants
A National Institution
GYG reached the milestone of 200 restaurants across Australia, cementing its place as the country's most-loved Mexican food brand. We also deepened our sustainability commitments and expanded our community giving programmes.
2022
Today & Beyond
Still Growing, Still Fresh
Today, guzman y gomez continues to innovate — from new menu additions and delivery partnerships to global expansion ambitions. The mission remains the same: fresh food, bold flavours, and genuine community impact at every location.
2026
The People Behind GYG
Meet Our Team
Our leadership team brings together decades of culinary passion, business acumen, and an unwavering love of great Mexican food.
Mark Hawthorne
Chief Executive Officer
Mark leads GYG's strategic direction with a focus on sustainable growth, operational excellence, and keeping fresh food at the heart of everything the brand does.
Elena Vasquez
Head of Culinary Innovation
Elena brings authentic Mexican culinary heritage to GYG's menu development, ensuring every new dish honours tradition while exciting modern palates across Australia.
James Chen
Chief Operations Officer
James oversees the day-to-day excellence of 200+ GYG restaurants, ensuring that every location delivers the same quality, warmth, and vibrancy that guests have come to expect.
Interested in joining the GYG family? We're always looking for passionate people.
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