Something special happens when we share a meal. Memories are made. Families and friends connect and indulge in the joys of life — together. No one knows that more than Shane Oliver, the new Director of Food and Beverage at The Hacienda at the Canyon®, a senior living community located in Tucson’s Catalina Foothills. With 35 years of experience in hospitality, Shane specializes in creating thoughtfully inspired cuisine for seniors that nourishes the body and sparks meaningful moments.
“I’m very pleased to be in senior living,” he says. “It takes all of my talent and all of my passion to be in this position.” After working in resort restaurants and fine dining settings, Shane soon led culinary teams across senior living communities, eventually joining The Hacienda earlier this year. He says his previous experiences helped him easily transition into his current role. “My grandparents took me to some of the most wonderful brunches. There was caviar, a raw oyster bar, and champagne. I grew up having those special moments, so I get this demographic. Food is a huge part of their life.”
Shane oversees offerings for six distinct dining venues and leads 60 dedicated associates. Mouthwatering steaks and chops are mainstays, along with hearty salads, grilled chicken, and
fresh fish. Everything is crafted to reflect members’ unique tastes and preferences. “In Tucson, you better know Mexican, and you better know it very well,” he explains. “They love seafood here. And they appreciate chateaubriand and beef bourguignon.” To punctuate each dining experience, Shane and his team offer an extensive wine list thoughtfully paired to enhance the bold, rich flavors of every dish. The Hacienda also hosts happy hours and curated wine tastings. “A lot of people have this idea of a grandma’s nursing home, and we’re not that,” he says. “We’re elevated in every aspect.”
Dignity and Joy With Every Bite
An important aspect of Shane’s cooking philosophy is creating nutritious meals that are both delicious and satisfying. Working within caloric and nutritional guidelines, he crafts gourmet meals for Assisted Living and Memory Care members, ranging from Mediterranean dishes to comfort food favorites like mashed potatoes and pot roast. “We have the opportunity for our members to grow as they progress in life. And the good thing about that for food and beverage is that we already know them. We know what they like. It’s up to us to make sure that we are offering choices for them.”
As part of the community’s culinary offerings, Gourmet Bites Cuisine empowers individuals with cognitive or physical challenges to enjoy bite-sized creations without the struggle of managing utensils. Designed to be eaten by hand, each creation is skillfully crafted to delight the senses. And families can have peace of mind knowing their loved one is receiving all the nourishment they need. “What’s nice about our memory care is that their family visits them frequently,” Shane says of its members. “They will all dine [together]. They feel that it’s familiar to them. And it really makes a difference.”
Culinary Experiences That Inspire
For every member who lives at The Hacienda, Shane strives to create culinary journeys they’ll remember. From cooking demonstrations to mocktail-making classes, every event is punctuated by delectable cuisine, warm hospitality, and an inviting ambience. Shane and his team are currently planning Oktoberfest, Thanksgiving, and Christmas events, complete with live music, festive decorations, and fresh, seasonal ingredients. For Shane, working in senior living is an opportunity to turn each meal into a meaningful experience, one where members create lasting moments with those they love.
“It just hits you like a memory,” he says of The Hacienda’s cuisine. “It’s the good things that [our members] deserve and that we provide for them.”
The Hacienda at the Canyon features refined residences, resort-style amenities, exquisite dining,
and enriching wellness offerings for modern seniors. Call 520-477-3149 to schedule your private visit.