The Story Behind GYG
Guzman y Gomez — known affectionately as GYG — was born from a simple but powerful idea: that fast food doesn't have to mean compromising on quality, freshness or flavour.
Founded in 2006 in Sydney, Australia, GYG set out to revolutionise how Australians think about Mexican cuisine. Our founders Steven Marks and Robert Hazan believed you could serve authentic, bold flavours at speed — without sacrificing a single ingredient.
Every tortilla is pressed fresh. Every salsa is made in-house. Every burrito, taco and bowl is crafted with care by a team that genuinely loves what they do. That passion, baked into every bite, is what has made Guzman y Gomez a household name across Australia and beyond.
Today, with over 180 locations and millions of loyal fans, GYG continues to grow — but our commitment to fresh, real ingredients and vibrant flavours has never changed.
Our Mission & Values
Everything we do flows from a clear purpose — to serve the best possible food in the most honest way we can.
Our Mission
To disrupt and redefine fast food by proving that speed and quality are not mutually exclusive. We exist to serve food that's genuinely fresh, boldly flavoured and made with real ingredients — every single day, at every location.
Our Vision
To become the world's most loved Mexican-inspired food brand by staying authentic to our roots, championing sustainability and creating communities around great food. We believe that when food is good and real, it brings people together.
Freshness First
We press tortillas fresh daily, make our salsas in-house and source the highest-quality produce we can find. No shortcuts, ever.
Authentic Passion
Our team is genuinely obsessed with Mexican food culture. That energy shows in every dish, every service and every interaction with guests.
Sustainability
We're committed to reducing our environmental footprint through responsible sourcing, compostable packaging and minimising food waste across all locations.
Community
GYG is a local brand at heart. We support the communities we operate in through partnerships, local hiring and giving back where it matters most.
A History of Bold Flavour
From a single store in Newtown to a national icon — here's how Guzman y Gomez grew into the GYG Australians love.
The First Store Opens
Steven Marks and Robert Hazan open the very first Guzman y Gomez in Newtown, Sydney. The bold flavours and fresh approach quickly attract a loyal following.
Rapid Expansion Begins
GYG hits 20 locations across Sydney and begins expanding to Melbourne and Brisbane, bringing authentic Mexican flavours to new cities and communities.
Drive-Through Innovation
GYG launches its first drive-through location, pioneering a new model for quick-service Mexican food and setting the benchmark for speed without compromise.
International Expansion
GYG takes its first international steps, opening restaurants in Singapore and Japan — introducing a new wave of fans across Asia to the GYG experience.
Digital & Delivery Growth
GYG accelerates its digital ordering platform and delivery partnerships, making fresh Mexican food more accessible than ever for Australians across the country.
180+ Locations & Growing
With over 180 restaurants nationwide and millions of loyal fans, Guzman y Gomez continues its mission to serve the freshest, boldest food in Australia and beyond.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Our team is as diverse and vibrant as the food we serve. Passionate, dedicated and deeply committed to making every GYG experience extraordinary.
Steven Marks
The visionary behind GYG's fresh food philosophy, Steven has led the brand from a single Newtown taqueria to an internationally recognised name.
Maria Santos
With roots in Mexico City and training across three continents, Maria drives GYG's menu evolution — always anchored in authenticity and bold flavour.
James Nguyen
James ensures every GYG location delivers the same exceptional experience. His operational expertise keeps 180+ restaurants running at their best every day.
Sophie Chen
Sophie leads GYG's commitment to a greener future — from compostable packaging to ethical sourcing programmes that support farmers and the planet.
Want to be part of the GYG family? We're always looking for passionate people.
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