A new Hope Mills restaurant is preparing to offer bold, refreshing and comforting flavors inspired by Mexico.

Viva Tropicana began as a small brand in Arkansas about eight years ago and is now headed east with its first franchise location opening soon at 6415 Camden Road.  

Owners Devin and Carl Holcomb said they were contacted by family friends — and the founders — to discuss expanding into North Carolina. The two have been working since 2025 to renovate their storefront into the brand’s third location.

“We're going to be the first franchise of this brand; we thought it would do well in Fayetteville, because there isn't really one like this restaurant,” shared Devin.

The restaurant will feature a customizable menu with sweet and savory options, including homemade ice cream, fresh fruit, snacks, milkshakes, smoothies and other drinks.

“We do have a secret recipe for our ice cream that's really, really good. But what makes it a little bit different is, we pair it with our fresh fruits. And we have two ways it can be served. The traditional American style with the sweet cream, how most people know it, but in Mexican culture, they have chamoy and Tajin that kind of make it a little bit spicy,” shared Devin. “And then we also have some snacks too, your traditional nachos or corn cups, ceviche, chicharrones and stuff like that.” 

After investing their own time, energy and capital, and raising $1,200 through a GoFundMe campaign, the Holcombs say they are hoping to be open soon and finally welcome in the community.  

“One of the things that I'm really excited about is we want to incorporate our Christian views and beliefs as well. We'll be working with the local churches and Christian schools with their fundraisers or partnerships. So I am really excited to bring something new to the area, but also I think that's the thing that excites me the most, is having it kind of be a way that we can share the word of God too,” shared Devin. 

Viva Tropicana is a Veteran-owned business that hopes to open in February 2026. For more updates, follow the restaurant on social media here and here.