For the Reyes family, opening another restaurant in Danbury means more than expanding a business. It means continuing a family tradition built over three decades.

On October 5, family members, employees, friends, and community leaders gathered for the official ribbon cutting of Minas Carne Brazilian BBQ & Bar, at 56 Mill Plain Road. Mayor Roberto Alves, State Senator Julie Kushner, State Representative Farley Santos, and City Councilor Andrea Gartner joined the celebration.

The restaurant opened in July, bringing the family's popular Brazilian barbecue to Danbury's west side.

The family's restaurant journey began in 1991, when Luis Reyes opened Amigos Deli on West Street. In 2008, the family purchased Minas Carne on Osborne Street, a Brazilian barbecue restaurant that had served Danbury since 1997. The acquisition marked another step in their growing business.

Today, the family owns and operates three Danbury restaurants: Amigos Deli & Carniceria, at 130 West Street; Minas Carne & Deli, at 36 Osborne Street; and the newest Minas Carne Brazilian BBQ & Bar, at 56 Mill Plain Road.

At the new location, customers can enjoy Brazilian barbecue, traditional sides, a salad bar, buffet, and a bar offering drinks and snacks. Whether stopping for lunch or gathering for dinner, there's something for everyone.

The family's entrepreneurial spirit also extends beyond these three restaurants.

Luis's son, Richard Reyes, is involved in other restaurant ventures, including Mecha Noodle Bar. He is also co-founder of Eat Justice, a separate initiative by participating restaurants that raises funds for charitable causes. Its mission reflects Richard's commitment to using the restaurant industry to support communities and people in need.

While these ventures have their own identities, they share a story of entrepreneurship and community involvement.

The ribbon cutting celebrated years of hard work, family dedication, and continued investment in Danbury.

If you haven't visited the new Minas Carne, consider stopping by. It's an opportunity to enjoy Brazilian food while supporting a local family business that continues to grow in the community it calls home.