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Australian-based Mexican fast casual making US debut
Australia-based Guzman y Gomez is coming to America.
January 15, 2020
Australia-based Guzman y Gomez is making its U.S. debut Thursday in the Chicago suburb of Naperville. Founded in 2006 by two native New Yorkers who live in Australia — Steven Marks and Robert Hazan — GYG has captured the attention of not only Australia but also Singapore and Japan with 135 restaurants including a network of drive-thrus. The chain,which is 80% franchised, has also touched the sky, being the first commercial partner to deliver burritos by drone with Google Wing.
"We both grew up in New York and it's always been our dream to bring the brand back to the U.S., Marks said. "We have looked at sites all over the U.S. for a number of years, and we were really particular about it because we knew our first restaurant in the U.S. had to be special.
The duo chose Naperville because of the community.
"We kept hearing about this city, which is ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. and the moment we arrived here and saw the site, we knew this was where our first U.S. drive-thru restaurant had to be," Marks said about the restaurant located at 1519 North Naper Blvd.
The menu
The Mexican chain serves real, made-to-order Mexican food using fresh, whole produce and authentic ingredients, and its culture, speed, innovation and convenience are at the core of the business, Marks said. GYG is redefining fast food by showing it's possible to serve good food, fast, without compromising on nutrition.
In 2019, after three years in the making, GYG announced that its food is 100% clean, meaning it uses no preservatives, artificial flavors, added colors or unacceptable additives. The menu includes burritos, bowls, tacos and nachos, which come in both regular and mini sizes, giving guests more options and variety than other brands, according to the release. Additionally, guests may dine in, carry out, use the drive-thur or order via delivery.
The restaurant also serves barista-made coffee, made-to-order breakfast items served including a Chorizo Breakfast Burrito and Avocado on Toast.
The future
Hazan and Marks aren't stopping with just one U.S. location as they are excited to take their concept around the country.
"We intend on opening hundreds, if not thousands of GYG locations across the U.S. and, while this won't be our last, I want our very first in Naperville to be the one everyone knows about and visits," Marks said. "We are beyond excited to be bringing the brand home, and cannot wait to see what the future has in store in terms of expansion. With a cult-following in Australia, we are eager to make the same mark here in the states.”
