Fogo de Chão Expands Arizona Footprint with Gilbert Opening
Event summary
- Fogo de Chão opened its second Arizona location in Gilbert on August 3, 2026.
- The restaurant is located at 2134 S. SanTan Village Parkway and features an open churrasco grill designed with Innovation & Design in Architecture.
- Fogo will donate 10% of first-week sales to St. Anne Friends of the Needy.
- General Manager Merhawit Keleta, previously of Scottsdale location, leads the Gilbert team.
The big picture
Fogo de Chão's opening in Gilbert marks its continued growth strategy in Arizona, building on its existing Scottsdale location. The move aligns with broader trends in the hospitality industry where established brands are expanding into suburban markets to capture diverse customer bases. With over 100 local jobs created, the opening also underscores the company's commitment to community engagement and economic contribution.
What we're watching
- Market Penetration
- How Fogo de Chão's expansion into Gilbert will impact its market share in Arizona.
- Operational Efficiency
- Whether the company can maintain service quality across multiple locations.
- Community Integration
- The pace at which Fogo de Chão becomes a staple in Gilbert's dining scene.