Aztecas of Gautier celebrates grand reopening following 2025 tornado
GAUTIER, Miss. (WXXV) — Aztecas Restaurant and Cantina in Gautier marked a major milestone in its recovery from the October 2025 tornado that ripped through the city, as they re-opened their doors to the community.
Just months ago, an EF-1 tornado came directly through Aztecas, and multiple employees were forced to shelter in the cooler as the kitchen ceiling fell around them. Miraculously, no one was injured, but the building suffered major damage. Walls had to be torn out, and the interior was completely gutted, forcing the restaurant to shut down.
Through it all, one thing remained constant: the unwavering support from the Gautier community. Locals stood by Aztecas every step of the way, patiently waiting for their return, and on opening day, Gautier residents filled the restaurant to welcome them back.
“Every single customer is so happy. They say, ‘Thank you, to open again.’ It’s a very good feeling to see their reactions,” said Orlando Godoy, Owner of Aztecas. “It’s a relief to be now in this stage. This is what we know how to do, which is serving and taking care of our customers. So, we’re finally here, and this is what we do best. It’s a relief for sure. This is good.”
“The work paid off,” said Godoy’s son, who came out to the restaurant to help on opening day.
Owners and managers of Aztecas say the comeback has truly been a labor of love. They describe their community as more than just customers, they’re family. And in an incredible show of loyalty and unity, every single staff member returned to help reopen the restaurant.
“The whole community has been calling me, sending messages on social networks. Everybody is saying, ‘When does Aztecas open? When does Aztecas open?’ So, It’s all good reviews, all good vibes. They’re loyal to us. We’re loyal to them. It’s like a family. It’s a big, big family,” said manager Luis Mendoza. “It’s been a process–a lot of changes. I love it. It’s just something that I’m very proud of. I hope everybody in the restaurant, all the community, likes it because this is for them. This is something that… I get goosebumps.”
Mayor Casey Vaughan even stopped by, showing that this recovery and reopening is a true testament to Gautier’s resilience. “This was the most catastrophic damage from the tornado, so if you look around here today, you can see the improvements that have been made. Their investment here in the city of Gautier that continues to be a part… they are continuing to be committed to the citizens and Jackson County here by reinvesting in this location. So, we’re blessed to have them. It shows our community’s strength.”
