While Tom Snyder was a finance major at the University of Montana he began working on a business plan to open up a fast casual restaurant during his sophomore year. As he explored different cuisines and cultures, he began to fall in love with Brazil and their cooking styles. The way they used such simple ingredients to make such flavorful, healthy, and amazing dishes. Tom started cooking and creating a menu based on their favorite dishes from all over the country and then putting it together in a unique way that fit a quick grab and go style. The menu is based on traditional dishes but with a twist - such as deconstructing a classic Brazilian Fish Stew from up North and creating the Spicy Coconut Sauce.

Tom then presented his idea at a statewide business plan competition. After winning the competition Tom set off to travel all around Brazil, exploring the incredible culture and food. He then opened up the first Five on Black in Downtown Missoula two years after graduating. Since then he has opened up five more around the state. The name Five on Black comes from the five steps to build your bowl and black beans being a staple some classic Brazilian dishes. Five steps on black beans.

We play the music loud, live deliberately and delight in creating simple, healthy, and accessible food. Straight forward meals that are easy to feel good about. Familiar yet entirely new. healthy, Fresh, (gluten free as a bonus) real food. It’s made from scratch every day just for you. We are Five on Black. Bem vindo!