Tocabe
Denver
2 units, 1 food truck
There’s opportunity for operators in the realm of Native American cuisine, judging by consumer interest in it. Some 51% of consumers say they haven’t tried indigenous American food but are intrigued by it, according to Technomic’s Ethnic Food & Beverage Consumer Trend Report. And nearly a quarter (24%) of consumers surveyed said they’ve tried Native American cuisine and they like it. Tocabe, which operates two limited-service brick-and-mortar units in Denver as well as a food truck, is owned and operated by members of the Osage Nation. Using customization as an entry point for unfamiliar consumers, the menu features Indian tacos, salads, stuffed fry bread and nachos available with a choice of proteins, grains and toppings such as Osage hominy, roasted green chiles and sweet corn with radish. But the authenticity goes beyond the menu: The restaurant works to source ingredients, such as wild rice and maple syrup, from Native American producers.