Michael, Bobby & Brenda Mexican Food with a Twist Cousins Michael Lane and Bobby Wade have been working together successfully since they were in their teens. But as 16 year olds partnering in a lawn care business, the pair could not have foreseen their eventual success in the restaurant industry. Now the owner-operators of Cactus Cantina Mexican Grill, the duo – along with Bobby’s mom/Michael’s aunt Brenda - boast four locations, three of which are located in the Gulf Coast area. After discovering their knack for developing a successful business partnership as teens, the cousins jumped into the insurance business together. More than a decade later, they decided it was time for another career change. “After 12 years in the insurance industry, we wanted to diversify into another field working with people,” said Michael. “We like making people happy.” In April of 2011, they opened their first Mexican restaurant in McDonough, Georgia. The restaurant was a smashing success so they decided to open a second location on the Gulf Coast in Gulf Shores, Alabama in March of 2013. They then opened their third location in Pensacola, Florida in September of 2014. The most recent addition to the Cactus Cantina “family” is located in Orange Beach. “We love the business and are in growth mode right now. We want to open 4-5 stores and start franchising.” It was a desire to step away from the fast-paced “city life” of Atlanta that pushed the cousins towards the beach. They also had a plan to gear their restaurant menus toward “Mexican food with a twist.” Fresh ingredients, traditional Mexican fare with some American influences, Vegetarian offerings and plenty of Tequila and other libations are abundant on the menu. “The fishing, boating and a slower pace from city life is what brought us here originally,” said Bobby. “We absolutely love meeting new people from all over in a tourist town, as well as putting smiles on people’s faces with great food and a fun atmosphere.”
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