Our Story

Our Tradition

A Rich Heritage of the Churrasco

See the story that inspired us

Born into the tradition

The founders of Fogo de Chão grew up on a traditional Southern Brazilian farm in the Serra Gaucha. It is here that they learned to cook in the churrasco grilling tradition that would become the backbone of our story.

1975 The journey begins

The founding brothers left the quaint, mountainous countryside of Rio Grande do Sul to Rio and São Paulo for formal churrasqueiro training, all while developing the Fogo concept

1979 The first Fogo

This first restaurant, built of a wood structure and nestled in the countryside of Porto Alegre, grew out of an obsessive dedication to quality, investments in the art and culture of the city and a respect for the heritage of the founders’ families.

1987 Earned expansion

After gaining a reputation among politicians, businessmen and celebrities who flocked from all over Brazil to taste the experience, Fogo opened its second restaurant in São Paulo.

1997 An American premiere

At the requests of loyal American guests, the Fogo concept was exported to the U.S. with a stateside debut in Dallas, Texas.

1997 to 2013

Between 1997 and 2013, this pioneering churrascaria continued its expansion in Brazil and the U.S. opening 29 new restaurants.

2013 The New York flagship

Just before Christmas 2013, Fogo opened a three story, 16,000 square foot flagship location in New York City. The stunning architectural design includes a seventeen foot bas-relief sculpture of Antonio Caringi’s, O Laçador, a historical monument in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Brazilian culinary achievements

The culinary team has continued the tradition of developing new menu creations rooted in the Brazilian tradition that push forward the Brazilian churrasco experience. In 2013, new seafood dishes were introduced. Later that year, the Bar Fogo concept emerged within Fogo restaurants, introducing guests to new Brazilian-inspired small plates, award-winning wines and cocktails.

Spreading Our Culture

Thanks to years of hard work and staying committed to excellence, the Fogo de Chão team has opened locations in several major Brazilian and U.S, cities, but the journey is not quite finished. Fogo continues to introduce new flavors and experiences to audiences across the globe.

There is no exact reference regarding the origin of barbecue, but it is believed that, with the mastery of fire during prehistory, humans began roasting game meat upon realizing that this process tenderized and preserved food.

Over time, techniques were refined, and we know that this practice was common among the Tupi Indians, who used to smoke meat over wooden grills.

In South America, the Pampas region became the first major cattle-raising area. It was here that cowboys known as gauchos popularized this dish, making it iconic. Roast meat was the easiest meal to prepare during days away from home, requiring only a wooden stake, a sharp knife, fire, and coarse salt.

The story of Fogo de Chão is, therefore, an ancient narrative rich in tradition, beginning in a very characteristic city in Rio Grande do Sul: Nova Bréscia, the world capital of barbecue. This is where the founders of Fogo de Chão originate. From this small town, they made an important decision: to show the world how to prepare and appreciate authentic Gaúcho barbecue.

Portugal was the first stop, where the first restaurants were opened, but the success of this Gaúcho concept quickly spread to other regions of Europe. Here in the United Kingdom, we had our first branch in Brighton in 2019, followed by the London branch in Soho in 2020.

In the historic city of Nova Bréscia, there is a statue located in the center that reads:

“To you, the barbecuer, who represents the Brescian community so well in every corner of the country, our recognition and gratitude.