ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Since taking the helm this past summer, Rob Ferran, Director of the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, has focused on balancing the zoo’s historic lineage with new experiences and upgrades to existing activities and infrastructure. The newest feature is an upgraded menu at the zoo’s concession, the ToucanTina Café. Expanding beyond the traditional in-park concession menu, Manager Emmanuel Gerondaras is creating a unique in-zoo dining experience, with fresh, seasonal offerings.
“Having fresh food and scratch-made recipes is something that has been important to us,” says Emmanuel Gerondaras, Manager of the ToucanTina Café at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. “We wanted to redefine the idea of what a zoo snack bar could be. We want to feel pride in what we do each day and give the guests the best experience possible. There are many parts involved in making a great memory at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, and we want to make sure we are doing our part!”
Gerondaras brought in Patrick O’Connor as Assistant Manager to oversee kitchen operations and to spearhead the ToucanTina Café’s new menu. O’Connor has worked in professional kitchens for years, from his hometown of Chicago to St. Augustine staples, winning the Taste of St. Augustine at 25 with the High Tide Café. While the concession will continue serving fan favorites like pretzels, chicken tenders, and funnel fries, O’Connor has slowly started introducing new recipes and techniques. He’s added wraps featuring fresh vegetables and homemade condiments, such as the Blue Heron Bruschetta, stuffed with grilled chicken, mozzarella cheese, balsamic tomatoes, and fresh basil pesto, and the Mugger Mayhem, featuring turkey, Swiss cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and zesty mustard. O’Connor prefers using natural sweeteners and flavorings like honey, maple syrup, and citrus zest to elevate his fresh fruit sorbet and fresh-cut fruit bowls. He’s also introducing seasonal specials, like the pumpkin cheesecake he’s currently serving. Gerondaras is also transitioning to more sustainable options, switching from plastic to agave fiber alternatives, carrying aluminum water bottles, and choosing paper packaging over plastic whenever possible.
“We’re excited to continue elevating the guest experience, creating new interactive experiences, and modernizing our approach, all while keeping the generational appeal that comes from being around for over a century,” says Rob Ferran, Director of the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park.
