Cleo Uchôa

From Selling Cakes on a Food Bike in Brazil to Over $4,5 Million in Revenue in New York and now in Miami: The Journey of Cleo Uchôa and Tap.

How Cleo Uchôa Became a Partner at Tap, one of Manhattan's Most Popular Brazilian Restaurants, at the Age of 19.

Cleo Uchôa’s entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 16, selling cakes with his mother from a food bike on Copacabana beach. By 19, he had become a partner and COO of TAP, one of the most frequented Brazilian restaurants in New York City, which achieved over $4,5 million in revenue in 2024. Now, at 25, Uchôa manages a team of over 30 people, oversees four restaurant locations, and plays an active role in an ambitious expansion plan for the coming years.

Recently featured in the Forbes Under 30 list for 2022/2023, Cleo Uchôa recalls that his entrepreneurial spirit was sparked while still in high school. “Entrepreneurship has always come naturally to me. I’ve been talking about business since I was a kid. I’ve often said that my journey and development were shaped by a unique chemistry—a mix of inspiring, successful people around me and the financial instability at home. Together, these served as fuel for my drive to make things happen. I wanted to work hard to improve my family’s situation and ensure a more prosperous future,” he recalls.

At 17, before starting his studies in Business Administration at PUC-RJ, Uchôa decided to spend six months in the U.S. to improve his English and gain international experience, using the money he had saved from working and selling cakes at school with his mom. Little did he know, this would lead to a complete 180-degree change in his plans. “I chose New York City, the most globalized city in the world, and I didn’t just want to ‘enjoy’ it. Because I had American citizenship, I landed a job in my first week at a newly opened Brazilian restaurant called TAP. With its simple concept of selling Tapioca, Açaí, and Pão de Queijo—one of my biggest passions—I felt an instant connection. I started as a cashier but quickly stood out to the founder, Roberto Simonsen, showing a strong desire to learn, as well as business acumen and vision,” he recounts.

After nearly five months with the company and just as he was about to return to his studies in Brazil, Cleo Uchôa received an offer he couldn’t refuse: to become responsible for operations and the right-hand man to the owner of TAP. “At 19, I became a partner and COO of the company, with full responsibility for leading operations and handling all aspects required by a small business. That’s why I often say that my real education has come from life, and I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve been developing and learning daily with the people around me,” Uchôa affirms.

Tap is 100% gluten-free and stands for Tapioca Sandwiches, Açaí Bowls, and Pão de Queijo, will also feature an array of enticing options, including Egg Wraps, Paninis, Signature Smoothies, Juices, and Brazilian-sourced coffee.

----

Cleo Uchôa is the COO of TAP, having led the company with distinction since the young age of 19. His journey is a testament to the university of life, navigating both the frontlines and the strategic backend of the bustling restaurant scene in New York. Cleo's nomination for FORBES Under 30 in Brazil underscores his remarkable achievements and the impact of his leadership. Highly motivated, he possesses profound skills in leadership, people management, and execution, all of which have propelled TAP's success and innovation. As a partner in Banana Boost, Cleo continues to exemplify outstanding execution and visionary business acumen, making significant strides in the food and beverage industry.