Tito Ortiz Closes His Cantina but Stays in Cape Coral
CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WINK) — Tito Ortiz, the former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, has closed the doors of his restaurant, Tito’s Cantina, in downtown Cape Coral. The decision comes after a challenging year that included a boating accident that led to injuries and surgery, preventing Ortiz from actively managing the restaurant. Additionally, an increase in rent has prompted difficult financial decisions.
Ortiz expressed his mixed emotions about the closure but acknowledged the benefits of having more time for family and to coach high school wrestling. The restaurant, inspired by Ortiz’s Southern California roots and featuring recipes from his grandmother, was a beloved gathering place, with decorations showcasing Mexican and American pride.
On the final night of operation, loyal patrons packed the cantina, seeking autographs and exchanging farewells. Many expressed their hopes for Ortiz’s future, while he reassured them that he intends to stay in Cape Coral, the place he has come to call home after moving here amid recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian.
Ortiz’s sense of community has resonated with customers and friends alike, including Jeff Olson and Carla Accettolla, who have supported him since the restaurant’s inception. “You always hear about how much of a family it is. It really is,” Olson remarked, with Accettolla adding, “We believed in it from day one.”
Ortiz fondly recalled the welcoming atmosphere he and his wife, Amber, created at the cantina, with patrons often feeling like family. As he looks to the future, he remains committed to contributing to the Cape Coral community, affirming, “This is home for me.”
