Steven Marks
Co-Founder & CEO
The visionary behind Guzman y Gomez. Steven's relentless pursuit of fresh, authentic Mexican food built GYG from a single Newtown store into a global brand with over 500 locations.
Our Story
About Guzman y Gomez — Bold Flavours, Real Heart
Guzman y Gomez is Australia's home for authentic, freshly made Mexican food. From humble beginnings in Sydney to hundreds of locations across the country, GYG has always believed that great food should be real, bold, and available to everyone.
500+
Locations
2006
Founded
5M+
Happy Guests
4
Countries
18+
Years of Bold Flavour
Our Story
Where It All Began
Guzman y Gomez was born from a simple craving — real, fresh Mexican food that didn't compromise on quality. In 2006, founders Steven Marks and Robert Hazan opened the first GYG in Newtown, Sydney, inspired by the flavour-packed taquerias of New York and Mexico City.
They brought something Australia had never quite seen before: a quick-service restaurant where every single item was made from scratch, every single day. No heat lamps, no frozen ingredients — just bold, authentic Mexican flavours served fast.
"We wanted to prove that fast food didn't have to mean bad food. GYG was our answer — fresh, real, and always delicious."
From that single Newtown store, Guzman y Gomez grew rapidly across Australia and into international markets. Today, with over 500 locations and millions of loyal fans, GYG is one of the most recognised quick-service brands in the Asia-Pacific region.
Explore Our Menu
Why We Exist
Our Mission & Vision
Everything we do at Guzman y Gomez is driven by a passion for food, people, and the communities we serve across Australia and beyond.
Our Mission
To reinvent quick-service food by serving real, fresh, and flavourful Mexican-inspired meals that leave our guests feeling genuinely good — about what they ate and how it was made.
Our Vision
To become the world's most loved quick-service restaurant — a brand that proves you never have to choose between eating fast and eating well, in Australia and globally.
Our Promise
Every burrito, taco, and bowl at GYG is made fresh to order using real ingredients. No shortcuts, no compromise — just honest food served with genuine warmth and speed.
What Drives Us
The Values Behind GYG
Our core values are not just words on a wall — they shape how we cook, how we hire, and how we treat every single guest who walks through our doors across Australia.
Order NowFresh Always
Every ingredient is prepped fresh daily. We never freeze our proteins or reheat food under a lamp.
People First
Our crew, our guests, our communities — people are at the core of everything we build at GYG.
Sustainability
We're committed to responsible sourcing, reducing waste, and building a more sustainable food system across Australia.
Bold Innovation
We push boundaries — from new menu items to restaurant design — always asking how we can do better and bolder.
Integrity
We're transparent about our food, our sourcing, and our business. What you see is what you get — always.
Excellence
From the sizzle in the kitchen to the smile at the counter — we obsess over every detail to deliver an outstanding guest experience.
Our Journey
The GYG Story — A Timeline
From a single store in Newtown to a global brand — here's how Guzman y Gomez grew into the iconic Mexican food chain it is today.
2006
The First GYG Opens in Newtown
Steven Marks and Robert Hazan open the very first Guzman y Gomez in Newtown, Sydney. Inspired by the authentic taquerias of New York and Mexico City, GYG pioneers the concept of fresh, made-to-order Mexican food in Australia's quick-service space.
2010
Rapid Expansion Across Australia
After overwhelming success in Sydney, GYG rapidly expands to Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. The brand's commitment to fresh ingredients and bold flavours resonates deeply with Australians, with new locations opening every month. The GYG fan base begins to grow exponentially.
2013
First International Location — Singapore
GYG takes its bold Mexican flavours beyond Australia's shores, opening its first international location in Singapore. The move marks a major milestone in the brand's ambition to become a truly global quick-service restaurant. The Singapore launch exceeds all expectations.
2017
100th Restaurant Milestone
Guzman y Gomez celebrates opening its 100th restaurant — a landmark achievement that cements GYG's position as Australia's leading Mexican quick-service chain. The milestone is celebrated nationwide with special events and new menu launches that delight fans old and new.
2021
Drive-Through Revolution & Digital Expansion
GYG launches its next-generation drive-through format, revolutionising the Australian QSR landscape. Paired with a new digital ordering app and delivery partnerships, GYG makes it easier than ever for guests across Australia to get fresh Mexican food exactly the way they want it, wherever they are.
2024
500+ Locations & ASX Listing
Guzman y Gomez achieves over 500 locations and lists on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX), becoming one of Australia's most successful restaurant IPOs. The future looks brighter than ever as GYG continues to grow its presence in Australia, Japan, Singapore, and the United States.
The People Behind GYG
Meet Our Team
Behind every great burrito is a passionate team. The people at Guzman y Gomez are what make GYG more than just a restaurant — they make it a community.
Maria Santos
Head Chef & Culinary Director
Maria brings authentic Mexican culinary expertise to GYG's kitchen, developing every recipe from scratch. Her passion for fresh ingredients and bold spices defines the GYG taste Australians love.
James Wu
Chief Marketing Officer
James drives GYG's bold brand story across Australia and international markets. His innovative campaigns have transformed GYG into one of Australia's most recognised and beloved food brands.
Priya Nair
Head of Sustainability
Priya leads GYG's sustainability initiatives across Australia — from responsible ingredient sourcing to zero-waste packaging programs. She's committed to making GYG better for people and planet.
Want to join the GYG family? We're always looking for passionate people.
Join Our Team