Global Brazilian steakhouse chain Fogo de Chão has just revealed plans to enter the Canadian market with its flagship location landing in the heart of Downtown Vancouver.
Taking a whopping 7,778-square-foot space in the ambitious The Post development at 658 Homer St, Fogo de Chão joins the ranks of Amazon, Loblaws City Market, and an ambitious food hall as significant tenants in the building that occupies a full city block and the old Canada Post head office.
Fogo de Chão began in Brazil in 1979, and is known for its interactive dining showcasing churrasco - grilled meats presented tableside on skewers that are hand-sliced to order.
The steakhouse chain has had a dominant presence in both its native Brazil as well as in the U.S., and currently operates locations in Mexico and the Middle East as well.
Fogo's foray into Canada marks a new major chapter of expansion for the established global brand; a Toronto location is in the works on a similar timeline to Vancouver's flagship, and the chain indicates it's committed to bringing at least 10 Fogo locations to Canada over the next 10 years, according to a media release.
“We look forward to expanding our presence in the Vancouver area and bringing the culinary art of churrasco to more guests throughout Canada in the near future," said Barry McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of Fogo de Chão, noting the company is "thrilled" to be opening at The Post.
The Fogo Vancouver restaurant is aiming to open its doors to the public in spring 2024.
Vancouver, however, is no stranger to churrasco; the city has been home for a long time to Rio Brazilian Steakhouse, which is a similar concept and has restaurants in downtown and Coquitlam.
