Tucanos Opens in Farmington; Win a Gift Card to Enjoy It!
It’s a bold move to open a new $3 million restaurant in the middle of a pandemic, but that’s what Tucanos Brazilian Grill is doing at Station Park in Farmington. #FarmingtonTucanos
On Wednesday, I was able to get a sneak peek at the new restaurant, located at 265 N West Promontory, across the street from Old Navy. The restaurant opens to the public Oct. 23 (Friday).
Steve Oldham, CEO and co-founder of the Tucanos chain, said the location was already under contract last year, and construction had begun before the coronavirus pandemic hit. So it wasn’t a question of halting their plans.
Instead, Oldham took Covid measures into account, installing a high-tech HVAC system that exposes circulating air to a UV light band in the air ducts, which kills viruses and bacteria. That’s an extra precaution in addition to health department regulations such as space between dining tables, servers wearing masks and gloves, utensils switched out every 30 minutes, and a sanitation specialist who keeps surfaces wiped down and clean.
Tucanos is all about churrasco (pronounced shoe-HAS-ko) — sizzling grilled meat, seafood and pineapple served tableside on giant skewers. Chris King, Tucanos director of operations, said these will be served no-touch and socially distanced.
Precautions are also taken at the huge Salad Festival buffet that includes 70 items — salads, sushi, fresh-cut fruit, vegetables, soups, breads, cheeses, olives, mashed potatoes, stroganoff and more. A staffer hands out plates and silverware, and insure that guests use masks and use hand sanitizer.
Among the 70 items on the Salad Festival buffet is feijoada — traditional Brazilian black bean stew. Some of the other items might not seem “Brazilian.” Sushi? Stroganoff?
Oldham explained that Brazil, like America, is a melting pot. He said Brazil has the highest number of Japanese living outside Japan, and a high number of German immigrants, so sushi and stroganoff are both appropriate.
The 8,455-square foot space, with high ceilings and large windows, makes social distancing easier. “We want people to feel safe and comfortable,” said Kelly Byars, the Orem Tucanos manager who was on hand for the Station Park opening.
This is the third Tucanos in Utah, but there are other locations in Albuquerque, Boise, Colorado Springs, St. Charles, Mo., Newport News, Virginia, and Salt Lake City.
“Our new location will be more convenient for our guests who have had to travel from Northern Utah to Salt Lake City or Orem to enjoy our flavorful Brazilian churrasco,” said Oldham.
A little back story: Oldham first gained a love of the Brazilian food and culture while serving a mission in Brazil, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He earned an accounting degree from BYU, then moved back to Brazil to work — first for Price Waterhouse Coopers, then PepsiCo. He and a partner left PepsiCo to found Rodizio Grill, opening in 1995. Oldham left Rodizio to found his own version of churrasco, opening the first Tucanos in 2000 in Provo. That location has since been moved to Orem.
“Tucano” is the Portuguese for the toucan bird. Oldham thought the toucan, with its formal-looking black and white body and large, colorful beak, was a fitting symbol of the festive sophistication he wanted the restaurant to have.
The new Farmington Tucanos has a beach-y ambiance, with imported granite, wind sails and artwork from a Rio de Janeiro street artist. Even the servers’ masks showcase colorful Brazilian artwork. Walls are decorated with “wave” mosaics made of tile shards.
There are two private rooms and a large heated and covered patio for special events.
Prices: the Full Churrasco, which includes the skewers of flame-grilled meats, vegetables and pineapple served tableside, plus the Salad Festival is $24.95 for dinner. The lunch special is $17.95 on weekdays, and $20.95 on Saturday. The Salad Festival is $16.95 for dinner, or $12.95 for lunch.
There are also specialty lemonades and fruit juices, and a gorgeous dessert selection.
Tucanos in Station Park is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. It is closed Sunday.
For more information visit http://Tucanos.com; call 801-451-1960 for reservations. Oldham said it’s best to make reservations so the restaurant can avoid long waits.
To enter the drawing for a $25 gift card to Tucanos, leave a comment at the end of this post. On Monday, I’ll draw out two winners, and contact them for a snail mail address to send the cards. 1,2,3, Go!