Fogo de Chão Ignites Global Expansion with Ambitious 2026 Plans

DALLAS, TX – January 12, 2026 – Fogo de Chão, the internationally renowned Brazilian steakhouse, today announced a significant acceleration of its global growth strategy, outlining plans to open 14 to 16 new restaurants throughout 2026. The 46-year-old brand, celebrated for its experiential churrasco dining, is set to penetrate new international markets while continuing its aggressive domestic expansion, signaling strong confidence in its scalable business model and the enduring appeal of its unique culinary art form.

The expansion will see Fogo de Chão make its debut in Chile, Costa Rica, and Honduras. Concurrently, the company will deepen its U.S. presence in key metropolitan areas, with new locations slated for the Las Vegas Venetian, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Princeton, New Jersey, among others. This move builds on a consistent pattern of high-velocity growth for the chain.

"We are poised for continued growth with a strong 2026 expansion plan that includes new domestic and international openings, all fueled by our commitment to exceptional hospitality and a distinctive culinary experience," said Barry McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of Fogo de Chão. "Our expansion strategy leverages the synergy between our format and design, which has proven scalable across domestic and international markets, positioning us as a global leader in experiential dining."

A Proven Trajectory of Growth

Today's announcement is not an isolated ambition but the continuation of a multi-year strategic push. The company has consistently met or exceeded a 15% annual growth rate for company-owned restaurants, a target it achieved for the third consecutive year in 2023. This momentum carried through 2025, which saw the brand successfully launch 16 new locations globally, following the milestone opening of its 100th restaurant in 2024.

This sustained expansion is backed by the financial might of private equity firm Rhône Capital, which acquired Fogo de Chão for $560 million in 2018. The acquisition took the company private, allowing it to focus on long-term strategic growth initiatives away from the quarterly pressures of public markets. Historical data from before the acquisition showed a company with a strong foundation, consistently growing revenue and outperforming fine-dining traffic benchmarks.

The brand's success is also reflected in its ability to attract a broad and modern demographic. Research indicates that a striking 87% of Fogo's customer base is comprised of Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X, demonstrating that the churrasco concept is resonating powerfully with younger generations who increasingly prioritize unique experiences over simple transactions.

Innovating Beyond the Grill

Fogo de Chão's growth strategy extends far beyond simply adding new pins to the map. The company is making significant investments in technology and menu innovation to drive customer loyalty and increase visit frequency. In February 2025, the brand rolled out its first-ever loyalty program, Fogo Rewards. In less than a year, the program has achieved significant traction, with the company reporting that over 10% of its guests now actively engage with it, leading to measurable increases in traffic, check sizes, and trial.

"We believe that enhancing the guest experience through continued innovation is a key driver of long-term growth and customer lifetime value," McGowan noted. "These operational enhancements are shifting us toward long-term rewards and loyalty while elevating every touchpoint of the guest experience."

This spirit of innovation is also evident on the menu. In 2025, Fogo de Chão made a concerted effort to broaden its appeal by introducing elevated seafood options, including a Butter-Bathed Lobster Tail™, an All Jumbo Lump Crab Cake™, and a decadent Lobster Mac and Cheese. This diversification caters to a wider range of dietary preferences and positions the brand as a destination for more than just its famous fire-roasted meats. Complementing these additions is a new limited-time beverage program, featuring seasonal, on-trend cocktails designed to drive trial and enhance the vibrant Bar Fogo experience.

Designing the Modern Churrascaria Experience

The new and remodeled restaurants slated for 2026 will embody the brand's latest design philosophy, which blends a warm, timeless aesthetic with modern, interactive elements. Central to this design is the guest experience. New locations will feature a 360-degree, open-concept Churrasco grill, allowing diners to watch the Gaucho Chefs practice their craft of butchering, carving, and grilling premium cuts of protein over an open flame.

This theatrical element is a cornerstone of Fogo's appeal in the burgeoning 'experience economy.' Anchoring this open grill is the signature Market Table, a lavish spread of seasonal salads, fresh superfoods, imported charcuterie, and exotic fruits, which has been enhanced to appeal to contemporary dining habits. This combination of culinary theater and fresh, customizable options provides a multi-faceted experience that caters to both celebratory occasions and everyday dining.

Specific designs are being tailored to each new market. The upcoming Las Vegas location at the Venetian Hotel will feature an expansive Bar Fogo area, while the new restaurant in Charlotte, North Carolina, will be centered around its dramatic open churrasco grill. This bespoke approach ensures that while the core experience is consistent, each location has a unique character that fits its environment. To support this rapid scaling, the company has heavily invested in its human capital, with plans to grow to over 10,000 team members and an intensive eight-to-twelve-week cultural and management training program for all leaders, ensuring that the brand's signature hospitality is scaled along with its physical footprint.