Today we’d like to introduce you to Jake Strack.
Hi Jake, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Cucina Toscana opened its doors nearly 30 years ago in the historic Firestone Building, with a vision to bring the heart of Tuscany to downtown Salt Lake City. Founded by Valter Nassi and Ken Milo, the restaurant quickly became a beloved destination, known for its authentic Italian cuisine, impeccable service, and warm hospitality. Over time, ownership passed to Ken Murdock, and most recently to Brady McIntyre, who brings a renewed passion for quality, craftsmanship, and tradition.
Brady, a passionate collector of antiques and a true connoisseur of quality, has infused Cucina Toscana with a fresh spirit—honoring its rich past while ensuring it remains a cornerstone of Salt Lake City’s dining scene. His vision is simple yet powerful: to make Cucina Toscana a historic masterpiece, a place every visitor and local simply must experience. With a relentless focus on excellence and dependability, he continues to elevate the restaurant’s legacy to new heights.
Today, under the leadership of General Manager Jake Strack and Executive Chef Memmo—who has been with the restaurant for 28 years—Cucina Toscana remains deeply rooted in its original spirit while embracing thoughtful innovation. From house-made pastas to curated private events, every detail reflects a commitment to timeless hospitality, refined cuisine, and unforgettable experiences.
Cucina Toscana is proud to be Salt Lake City’s longest-running Italian restaurant—where tradition, passion, and excellence come together in a setting as historic as the memories we create.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like many longstanding institutions, Cucina Toscana has weathered its share of challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic was a particularly trying time, and until recently, the restaurant had not fully recovered. Despite remaining true to its authentic Italian roots and superior hospitality, the natural aging of the restaurant and its loyal patron base brought new hurdles—as longtime guests moved away or passed on.
Today, under new ownership and management, Cucina Toscana is experiencing a true renaissance. The restaurant is being thoughtfully restored to its original glory, honoring its rich legacy while ushering in a new era. Discerning guests—including celebrities, business leaders, and politicians—have rediscovered Cucina Toscana as the ideal destination for fine dining, privacy, and understated luxury. Known for its strict commitment to guest confidentiality and intimate private rooms, Cucina Toscana has once again become a hidden gem for those seeking excellence without pretense.
As accolades return and new generations of diners walk through our doors, Cucina Toscana shines brighter than ever—ready to continue its story for decades to come.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At Cucina Toscana, we are proud to specialize in authentic Tuscan fine dining, offering a level of service and hospitality that feels both elevated and warmly genuine. Our team, from our experienced chefs to our dedicated service staff, is committed to creating memorable dining experiences with every guest we welcome. We are known for our house-made pastas, elegant wine selections, and a steadfast focus on delivering an atmosphere of refinement, comfort, and true Italian spirit.
What sets us apart is our deep pride in tradition, paired with a renewed ambition for the future. Our service team is professional, passionate, and united by a strong desire to restore Cucina Toscana to its full glory. While we continue to refine our service style and standards, there is a shared commitment to excellence and to building something that everyone on our team can be proud of.
We are most proud of the spirit of renewal we feel today—honoring Cucina Toscana’s storied legacy while moving it forward with purpose, passion, and a profound respect for the guests who choose to dine with us.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The best way to experience Cucina Toscana is to join us for a meal—whether for a quiet evening, a special celebration, or a gathering with friends and family. Sharing your experience helps us grow: recommend us to others, post photos and videos, and tag us on social media. Your support and word-of-mouth are vital in helping us continue to restore and elevate this beloved institution.
Follow along with us on Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms to stay connected with our latest events, seasonal menus, and behind-the-scenes stories.
Pricing:
- Typical spend is $75 Per Person
Contact Info:
- Website: https://toscanaslc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toscana.slc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toscanaslc
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cucina-toscana
- Twitter: https://x.com/toscanaslc
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cucina-toscana-salt-lake-city
