Brazilian Dining Sensation Will Open Its First East Coast Store In Newport News

Tucanos Brazilian Grill Expected To Hire 225 And Pump $3 Million Into The Community

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., Nov. 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When Tucanos Brazilian Grill opens its doors on December 21^st in City Center at Oyster Point, it will mark the debut of the company's vibrant Brazilian dining experience on the east coast and its sixth restaurant, nationally.

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Key to the community, economically, will be Tucanos' ability to effectively staff nearly 225 employees from the area, including servers, chefs, food preparers and management.  "What a great opportunity to further strengthen our city and bring additional jobs to the market," said Newport News Mayor, McKinley L. Price.

Tucanos is now taking applications for all positions at 704 Mariner Row, City Center at Oyster Point between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., November 26-30.  Applications are also accepted online at www.tucanos.com/employment/application.php.

Tucanos is an experiential dining destination that combines the unique serving style of the traditional Brazilian grilling (referred to as churrasco) experience with the flair and festivity of the beaches of Rio de Janeiro – an exhibition-style meal surrounded by flames and colors. The cuisine features grilling specially seasoned or marinated meats and vegetables (nearly 20 varieties) and then serving them hot off of skewers at each table until the guest's appetite is fully gratified.

Founded in 2000, Tucanos Brazilian Grill had its genesis after founder and president Steve Oldham spent time in Brazil on work assignments when he was with PepsiCo's International Restaurant group.  Oldham was so enthralled with the culture, flavors and energy of Brazilian dining that he was inspired to create the first Tucanos Brazilian Grill in Provo, Utah when he returned to his home in in the U.S. The award-winning restaurant currently has five western locations – Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah, Boise, Idaho, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Colorado Springs, Colorado.

One-of-a-kind touches at the restaurant abound, including the color-coded Tucanos Cue. Putting the green side up of the cue lets the entree servers know that you'd like more selections brought to your plate. Expertly trained meat servers bring a parade of seasoned meats, vegetables and fresh pineapple to the table, slicing sizzling portions off skewers directly onto diners' plates.  Diners who wish to pause or who are finished with their entrees simply turn the Tucanos Cue over to the red side. Tucanos also offers an abundant and award-winning Salad Festival (over 70 items). 

Tucanos is a strong advocate of buying local and providing the freshest offerings available, and has a history of developing local partnerships at each location. "At Tucanos, we take great pride in being part of the community – from seeking out local products, to customizing menus, to partnering with local charities," Oldham said.

The restaurant's decor features a mix of festive colors, sharded tile waves, decorative fabrics and glass, mahogany and maple accents, custom granite counters, and tropical greenery. A custom bar and outdoor patio create an open-air environment and allow guests to take advantage of the scenic fountains at City Center and the mild Hampton Roads climate.  The restaurant will seat more than 220 patrons with an additional 50 seats when the patio is open.

Tucanos Newport News opens to the public Friday, December 21, in City Center at Oyster Point, 11820 Fountain Way, Suite 104
Newport News, VA 23606.  Phone reservations can be made at 757-597-9500

Restaurant hours:

• Monday – Thursday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• Friday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
• Closed Sunday

SOURCE Tucanos Brazilian Grill