Fort Lauderdale, FL – June 2, 2026 | Suntex, a leading owner and operator of over 100 marinas across the United States, today announced the execution of a new lease with True Grit Hospitality to introduce its Calaveras Cantina concept to Las Olas Marina in Fort Lauderdale.
The new waterfront restaurant is expected to bring a highly differentiated, high-energy dining experience to one of South Florida’s most iconic boating destinations. True Grit Hospitality plans to spend the remainder of 2026 designing and constructing a custom-built space at Las Olas Marina, tailored specifically to the Calaveras Cantina brand and the surrounding waterfront environment.
Calaveras Cantina is an established brand known for its unique combination of bold Mexican cuisine and craft cocktails, delivered in a vibrant and immersive setting. The brand has demonstrated strong performance across existing locations, supported by a proven operating model that emphasizes high guest engagement, large group dining, and a premium beverage mix.
“At Suntex, we are intentional about curating partnerships that enhance the overall experience at our marinas and resonate with the communities we serve,” said Rich Carter, Chief Operating Officer of Suntex Marinas. “True Grit Hospitality has developed a best-in-class concept with Calaveras Cantina, combining a distinctive identity with exceptional guest experiences. We believe this partnership will establish a flagship dining destination at Las Olas Marina and further elevate the property as one of the nation’s premier waterfront destinations.”
Calaveras Cantina is backed by an experienced True Grit Hospitality management team with decades of restaurant and hospitality expertise, led by CEO and President Curtis Peery. “We are excited to partner with Suntex Marinas to bring Calaveras Cantina to Las Olas Marina,” said Peery. “This location represents a unique opportunity to create a flagship waterfront destination that reflects both the energy of our brand and the vibrancy of Fort Lauderdale’s boating lifestyle.”
The new restaurant will feature a fully customized design, drawing on True Grit’s signature interior style and incorporating elements tailored to the marina setting. The space is expected to deliver a dynamic indoor-outdoor experience, with an emphasis on social dining, craft cocktails, and a lively atmosphere designed to attract both locals and visitors.
True Grit Hospitality’s operating model has consistently produced strong results, driven by a balanced mix of food and beverage sales, high-margin cocktail offerings, and a focus on guest experience innovation. The addition of Calaveras Cantina marks another step in Suntex Marinas’ broader strategy to enhance guest experience and drive long-term value across its portfolio through curated food and beverage partnerships.
Construction will advance through 2027, with opening date details to be announced as plans progress. Stay tuned to the Calaveras website and social media channels for latest updates as additional details become available.
About Suntex –
Suntex Marinas owns and operates a national network of over 100 premier marina properties across the United States. With more than a century of combined experience, Suntex specializes in the acquisition, development, and management of high-quality marinas. The company is recognized for its commitment to exceptional customer service, experienced on-site teams, and strong community engagement delivering elevated, memorable experiences for boaters on the water. www.suntex.com
About True Grit Hospitality –
True Grit Hospitality is a multi-concept restaurant group known for developing distinctive, high-energy dining experiences. Its portfolio includes Calaveras Cantina, Voodoo Bayou, and Roka Hula, each built around differentiated cuisine, strong beverage programs, and immersive guest environments. www.truegrithospitality.com |
calaverascantina.com/locations