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
said Michael. “We like making
people happy.”
In April of 2011, they opened
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
Vegetarian offerings and plenty
of Tequila and other libations are
abundant on the menu.
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.”
Things To Do on the Gulf Coast 21