El Tucan del Cielo has relocated to the former Bubba Gandy’s at 3600 Frederica Suite K in Owensboro. The restaurant had to quickly pivot this time last year after a fire destroyed much they had worked towards.
The restaurant opened in 2014 in Halifax Square with a small but colorful dining room. After 5 years of exponential growth, they moved a block in the other direction to the former Catfish Willy’s for increased capacity, expanding the vibrant decor and adding a fish tank that consumed an entire wall.
The fire encapsulated the space on January 3, 2023, with firefighters declaring the establishment a total loss. Husband and wife owners Yuli Soto and Francisco leaned on the community’s support to return the restaurant to its former glory in Halifax Square.
After more growth, the family decided it was time to explore another expansion, so they moved everything down the road to the former Bubba Gandy’s.
“Everything is going really well, and we’re really pleased with the recent turnouts,” said manager Stevie Meek. “Our regulars have followed us around, and we’re very thankful for that. There’s definitely been a lot of loyalty. Our customers have become friends, and our friends have become family.”
The new location is the biggest, with an even more giant fish tank wall featuring turtles. They’ve also returned the custom dining furniture most will remember from the Tamarack location.
“The community has been phenomenal,” Meek said. “We had several people help us after the fire with the move and the re-build. We’re happy to have more space to share food with our loyal customers.”
El Tucan opens regularly from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.
