Tampa Bay’s 1st Place Favorite Local Restaurant; 2nd Place Favorite Local Caterer; 3rd Place Local Late Night Dining, Favorite Local Wedding Venue
Red Mesa Restaurant has been a Tampa Bay favorite since opening in 1995. Pairing old world classics with new favorites, their dishes explore the seven regions of Mexico – from the “Spanish-influenced Gulf to the achiote-kissed South” – all with their unique Latin flair.
“A reinterpretation ranging from exquisite refinements to bold new perspectives have resulted in exciting new takes on the classics as well as cross-regional and international fusions of flavors and ingredients,” the restaurant advises. “No hype, just amazing flavors and ingredients prepared with devotion and love.”
In the years since, partners Pete Veytia II, Shawn Veytia, Pete Veytia III and Chef Chris Fernandez have expanded the brand in exciting ways. The Red Mesa Restaurant Group began by respectively launching celebrated eateries Red Mesa Cantina and Red Mesa Mercado in 2008 and 2014.
Cantina blends Latin and Caribbean kitchen tradition to provide ceviche, tacos and more. Mercado – a fast-paced, outdoor eatery – serves as a go-to for burritos, street tacos and quesadillas.
Red Mesa Events followed in 2017. It was transformed from St. Petersburg’s oldest fire station into an elegant event venue with a ballroom, terrace and rooftop for weddings and other gatherings. With Red Mesa Restaurant, Mercado, Cantina and Events all placing in this year’s WAVE Awards, Marketing & Operations Director Tony Pullaro says Red Mesa Restaurant Group is thrilled.
“That’s every one of our brands right now and they all seem to have made an impact on the community,” he explains. “It’s really exciting because we try to be involved and beyond open-minded about who our clientele is. It’s a lot of fun.”
From drag brunches and much more, that support has long extended to the local LGBTQ community.
“Being a part of that community myself, I feel like I see it from the inside out,” Pullaro adds. “Our partners that run the business are the kindest and most open-minded people that I’ve ever met, which is why I want to be here. I hope everyone loves us as much as we love them.”
