FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 22,18) – Tacos & Tequila Cantina opened Monday, May 21, at University Village Shops, announced Miromar Development Corp., which is creating the mixed-use commercial and residential development at Ben Hill Griffin and Estero parkways next to Florida Gulf Coast University.

The restaurant occupies nearly 4,300 square feet under air and joins Skillets, Thai Udon, The Shaved Ice Bar, Yoga Lab and Vânti Nails & Spa which have opened since May 1 in the new retail center. Additional University Village businesses will continue to open throughout the summer, including Smoothie King on June 1, Mellow Mushroom, KC American Bistro, F45 Fitness, Poke Fusion and Frutta Bowls. Others will be announced shortly.

Tacos & Tequila features a colorful interior accented with its hallmark Day of the Dead theme. Its open dining room offers tables and banquettes, a large bar, star pendant lighting and tilework. A garage-styled paned-glass door rolls up to accommodate alfresco tables and views of University Village Shops’ signature fountain and landscaped courtyard.

Tacos & Tequila serves inspired Tex-Mex dishes, specialty margaritas and nearly 30 VIP tequilas for sipping. Diners who eat the 6-pound burrito within 45 minutes win a T-shirt.
Vânti Nails & Spa opened Saturday, May 19, and features multiple manicure stations, 14 pedicure chairs and more than 800 choices of nail polish, lacquer, gel and powder dip colors. Owned and operated by Lynn Foley, Vânti offers nail services, facials, microdermabrasion and waxing.

Foley founded Vânti in 2005 in Belmont, Mass., earning recognition for her spa’s commitment to customer service, personal well-being and cleanliness.

University Village Shops introduces a dining and lifestyle destination to the fast-growing Estero region. Businesses, the majority locally owned, offer personal grooming services, dining and fitness options.

Miromar Development created the pedestrian-friendly University Village Shops with promenades and patios. The retail center is oriented toward the central plaza with a main courtyard facing the fountain and lake. Open and covered spaces provide venues for entertainment and alfresco dining.

Phase I of University Village includes 70,000 square feet of commercial space, luxury garden-style apartments for 588 students and a student-only clubhouse. Phase II, now under construction, will add 50,000 square feet for specialty retailers and restaurants and housing for another 336 students for a total of 924.

Miromar Development, headquartered in Estero, has created exceptional living and shopping opportunities in Southwest Florida for more than 20 years. Miromar Lakes Beach & Golf Club has been recognized nationally as the #1 Community in the USA, earning the National Association of Home Builders’ prestigious Gold Award for Best Community. Miromar Outlets, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2019, has been voted the Best Shopping Mall and Best Factory Outlet Mall in Southwest Florida for 19 consecutive years. Miromar Design Center, offering 45 unique home furnishings stores, all under one roof.

For more information about University Village Shops, call 239-390-7717 or visit Universityvillagefl.com.