Tony is from San Antonio, Texas. As a teenager he relocated with his mother and three brothers to Atlanta where his mom opened the family’s Mexican restaurant in a little town outside of Atlanta. Together with his mom Tony learned the restaurant business from the ground up – cooking, cleaning, waiting tables, putting out fliers…. He joined the family business after college by opening his own Mexican restaurant with his wife Maria. In 1994 Tony & Maria came to the Triangle area on vacation to visit a college friend of Tony’s. Both he and his wife fell in love with the area – went back to Atlanta, sold their home and restaurant and moved to Chapel Hill within 45 days of their inital visit. Six months later – the original Bandido’s Mexican Cafe was opened in the basement of a building on East Franklin street. Today there are four locations of Bandido’s. Click here to see all the locations.
Over the years Bandido’s has become a local favorite and has garnered many awards and distinctions including:
Best Mexican Food – News of Orange County Reader’s Choice Award 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011
First Place Salsa – Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce Chili & salsa Cookoff 2008, 2010
Best Restaurant for Mexican Food – Rose Award Chapel Hill News 2008 Best Salsa – Bull City Chili Challenge 2005 & 2008
Best Mexican Restaurant – The Herald Sun Reader’s Choice Awards 2006
2 comments
No ping yet
Lynda says:
January 13, 2012 at 6:42 pm (UTC 0)
Bandido’s is my favorite mexican restaurant in the Triangle!
You are always greeted by a friendly face and the service is terrific!
Our favorite items are the shredded beef quesadillas and the chili poblano stuffed with chipotle chicken!
For a great time and a great meal that won’t break the bank go to Bandido’s.
It never fails to please!
Anita says:
June 16, 2012 at 12:52 pm (UTC 0)
Chicken tacos is a great choice, and if you want an apziitper go forChips with pico de gallo or guacamole sauce. That also has a great choice in veggies all combined. Chicken chalupas, or bean chalpas is a great choice.I totally love panchos, made w/ a combination of chicken w/ refried beans and veggies . That is a total lovers diet mexican plate .It contains protien and vitamins all combined , but again ,,,,,,, eat in moderation and portion size(which is hard because its a big plate ).Take the rest home or share it .Good luck .