Fogo de Chão, a renowned Brazilian steakhouse, has a rich history that traces back to its roots in Southern Brazil. The restaurant was founded in 1979 by brothers Arri and Jair Coser along with their friend Jorge Ongaratto. Their first location was established in Porto Alegre, Brazil, where they brought the traditional Brazilian dining experience of churrasco to life. Churrasco, a Portuguese term for barbecue, is an integral part of Brazilian culture, and Fogo de Chão aimed to share this tradition with the world. From its humble beginnings, Fogo de Chão has grown significantly. The first U.S. location opened in 1997 in Dallas, Texas. Since then, the restaurant chain has expanded globally, with locations across the United States, Brazil, Mexico, and the Middle East. Despite this growth, Fogo de Chão has remained true to its roots, preserving the authentic Brazilian culinary traditions that made it famous.

The churrasco experience at Fogo de Chão is designed for discovery and is aptly described as “All You Can Experience” rather than “all you can eat.” This dining style features a prix-fixe menu where guests enjoy continual service of fire-roasted meats, carved tableside by Brazilian-trained gaucho chefs. These gauchos are not merely waiters; they are skilled chefs who have mastered the art of churrasco from a young age. Raised in Southern Brazil, gauchos are trained in prepping, cooking, and the precision of cutting different meats for family and friends during celebrations. This deep-rooted tradition is brought to life at Fogo de Chão, where guests can savor meats like Picanha (signature sirloin), Filet Mignon, Ribeye, Fraldinha (Brazilian sirloin), and Cordeiro (lamb).

Each dining experience at Fogo de Chão begins at the gourmet Market Table and Feijoada Bar. The Market Table offers a variety of seasonal soups, salads, and Brazilian sides, providing a healthy and nutrient-rich start to the meal. Guests are encouraged to visit the Market Table as often as they like throughout their dining experience. Additionally, traditional Brazilian side dishes such as pão de queijo (warm cheese bread) are served tableside, enhancing the authentic churrasco experience.



Recently, Fogo de Chão opened a new location in Bridgewater, NJ, marking another milestone in its expansion. I had the pleasure of attending a special event on July 11, 2024, where I experienced their Churrasco Experience firsthand. The evening was a delightful exploration of flavors, starting with a variety of signature cocktails that perfectly complemented the rich, savory meats. We were also treated to an array of Fogo’s decadent desserts, including the creamy cheesecake and the indulgent molten chocolate cake. The new location maintains the same high standards of food quality and service that Fogo de Chão is known for, with the gaucho chefs delivering an unforgettable dining experience.

Fogo de Chão offers a unique dining experience that combines rich Brazilian traditions with exceptional culinary skills. From its beginnings in Porto Alegre to its global presence today, Fogo de Chão continues to delight guests with its churrasco and vibrant Market Table. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned regular, Fogo de Chão promises an unforgettable journey of flavors and traditions.