When Paulo Garcia opened Avenida Brasil Grill in Dracut in October, he expected to see a large contingent of Brazilian people enjoying the restaurant’s food.
While that certainly happened, what he wasn’t prepared for was the amount of non-Brazilians coming to try the cuisine.
“It’s what he expected with the Brazilian community,” said his son and translator, Andy Garcia. “What surprised him was the American community accepting Brazilian food and liking it.”
What’s not to like? Avenida Brasil Grill’s menu includes several beef-, chicken- and pork-themed dinner and lunch items -- with rice and beans, of course, as well as breakfast options and even such items as hot dogs with a Brazilian flair.
Dracut Economic Development held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Avenida Brasil Grill, at 361 Tyngsboro Road, on November 18.
Avenida is a family affair, with Paulo, wife Andrea, and kids Andy and Audrey all helping out. The family lives in Dracut.
Paulo worked behind the scenes in the food business before deciding to open his own eatery and work for himself.
“Working for other people made him think about the mistakes that were made,” Andy translated. “He thought if he could do his own restaurant, he could do the right thing.”
Avenida Brasil Grill is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Call 978-746-8659, or email avenidabrasilgrill@gmail.com.
CAPTIONS:
From left at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Avenida Brasil Grill, 361 Tyngsboro Road, on November 18, are Dave Ouellette, health director; Andy, Audrey, Andrea and owner Paulo Garcia; Jennifer Kopcinski, a member of the Board of Selectmen and co-chair of the Economic Development Committee; and Kara Curley, public health nurse. (DRACUT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PHOTO)
Paulo Garcia, owner of Avenida Brasil Grill, has some Brazilian delicacies for you. (DRACUT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PHOTO)
