New Mexican Restaurant “Pablo” Is Coming to Somers Point

New Mexican Restaurant “Pablo” Is Coming to Somers Point

A Mexican restaurant in Somers Point has closed its doors, and a familiar Cape May based restaurant group is preparing to bring a new concept to the space this spring.

Ross and Lauren Hammer, the team behind Zest Restaurant Group, has announced that they have officially taken over the former Mexiquila location in Somers Point. The space will soon be home to a brand new Mexican restaurant called Pablo, with renovations already underway.

According to the restaurant’s website and social media accounts, Pablo is expected to open sometime this spring, marking Zest Restaurant Group’s first expansion into Atlantic County.

A New Chapter for the Former Mexiquila Space

Mexiquila was a relatively recent addition to Somers Point’s dining scene, but the restaurant quietly closed, leaving the space available for a new operator. Zest Restaurant Group quickly stepped in, seeing an opportunity to introduce a fresh concept while building on the growing popularity of Mexican and Latin inspired cuisine in the area.

While specific details about Pablo’s menu have not yet been released, early messaging suggests the restaurant will offer a polished yet approachable Mexican dining experience. Renovations are currently in progress, indicating that the space will receive both cosmetic and functional upgrades ahead of opening day.

In a statement shared on social media, the group wrote, “We’re excited to announce the opening of Pablo, coming to Somers Point this spring at the former Mexiquila location. Renovations are officially underway, and we look forward to sharing updates as we prepare to open. Stay tuned for more details.”

Expanding Beyond Cape May County

Although the Zest Restaurant Group name may not be instantly recognizable to some diners, their portfolio includes several well known restaurants in Cape May County.

The group operates Taco Caballito Tequileria, a popular Mexican restaurant located on Beach Avenue that has built a strong following for its tacos, tequila selection, and lively atmosphere. They are also behind Port Marina, a waterfront dining destination on Ocean Drive known for its coastal vibe, as well as Fish House, located on Sunset Boulevard and focused on seafood driven dishes.

With Pablo, the group is expanding its footprint northward into Somers Point, a town that has steadily become one of Atlantic County’s most active dining hubs.

Why Somers Point Makes Sense

Somers Point has seen consistent restaurant turnover and renewal over the past several years, particularly along Shore Road and surrounding commercial corridors. Its year round population combined with seasonal shore traffic makes it an attractive location for restaurant groups looking to establish a presence outside of traditional resort towns.

For Zest Restaurant Group, the move into Somers Point offers access to a new customer base while remaining close enough to their Cape May County roots to maintain operational familiarity.

The addition of Pablo also reflects a broader trend of established South Jersey restaurant groups expanding beyond their original markets rather than launching entirely new brands from scratch.

What Comes Next

At this time, the restaurant group has not announced an exact opening date, menu previews, or hiring information. However, the confirmation that renovations are underway suggests progress is moving quickly.

As spring approaches, additional updates are expected to be shared through Pablo’s website and social media channels, including photos of the transformation and early looks at the food and drink offerings.

For Somers Point diners, Pablo represents both a fresh start for a familiar space and the arrival of a restaurant group with a proven track record just a short drive away in Cape May.