Bringing signature margaritas and authentic Mexican flavors to Northern Florida since 2005, the Pepper’s brand has established itself as an expert in bold flavors and refreshing beverages crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. In January the family-owned company opened its fifth Okaloosa County installment: Pepper's Mexican Grill & Cantina in Destin.
Jorge Lopez, general manager and co-owner of the Pepper’s brand of Mexican restaurants, is proud to see how the business has grown since his uncle and cousins invited him to join the company in 2007. He oversees the five Okaloosa County locations, each with a restaurant manager committed to excellence.
In Destin, general manager Jessica Segoviano leads the Pepper’s Mexican Grill & Cantina team in creating personal connections with customers and making them feel part of the Pepper’s family. Jorge and Jessica also foster a welcoming environment for their team members—making it a great place to work, where everyone feels valued and cared for.
Since opening in January 2025, Pepper’s Mexican Grill & Cantina has been a strong community advocate, which Jorge believes is key to the success of the business. The restaurant supports organizations and events throughout the area, particularly local schools and youth sports programs.
“Giving back is our way of expressing gratitude and investing in the future of our community,” says Jorge. “We believe in fostering strong relationships and contributing to the well-being of our neighbors. We are truly grateful to the people who have helped shape us into the successful business we are today.”
In addition to the stellar customer service and community spirit, what keeps customers coming back is the food. Tortillas are made fresh every morning, and prime ingredients like Certified Angus Beef® and the freshest produce are used to scratch-make each dish daily. Generous portions, daily specials and impressive presentations are touchstones of Pepper’s. The menu offers classic Mexican dishes, an extensive fajitas list, a seafood selection including ceviche, and a must-try dessert of churros with ice cream, a chocolate drizzle and a cherry served in a jumbo glass.
It’s these little touches and a dedication to excellence that make Pepper’s Mexican Grill & Cantina a favorite for their clientele.
A defining moment of Jorge’s career has been creating Pepper’s Tequila—an effort five years in the making. The recipe is made in small batches with the finest blue agave and aged in oak barrels in Arandas, Jalisco, Mexico, a region renowned for its rich tradition of tequila-making.
“We partner with a small, family-run distillery that takes immense pride in its work,” Jorge shares. “This close-knit operation allows us to maintain exceptional quality control, with every detail supervised meticulously—from the agave fields to bottling and shipping.”
Pepper’s features four types of tequila, each made with 100% agave: blanco (used in the house margarita), premium blanco, reposado and añejo. Tequila flights give customers a chance to enjoy all four. Jorge’s latest endeavor, which he’s excited to share soon with customers, is an extra añejo tequila that has aged in oak barrels for 82 months.
To ensure his staff’s expertise, Jorge recently brought in a master tequila distiller from the distillery where Pepper’s Tequila is crafted to share valuable insights on the entire process and the unique flavor profiles. “We believe that when tradition, care and quality come together, the result is something special,” he says. “What truly sets us apart is the heart and soul behind every bottle, the quality and excellence in every sip.”
The restaurant serves a variety of classic and specialty cocktails, including a large selection of margaritas, wine and beer. A popular choice is the Michelada—a Mexican cocktail made with beer, lime juice and assorted sauces, spices and peppers. Two daily happy hours feature two-for-one drinks.
Pepper’s Mexican Grill & Cantina opens daily at 11 a.m. and features a fun atmosphere both indoors and on the patio. For a delicious lunch or dinner, a special-occasion celebration at the restaurant, or event catering off-site, Pepper’s brings fun times and the flavors of Mexico to Destin and beyond.