Fogo de Chão Expands Latin American Footprint with Costa Rica Debut — Fogo de Chão, Inc.

Event summary

Fogo de Chão opened its first restaurant in Costa Rica on August 17, 2026, located in the Sheraton Hotel in Escazú.
The expansion is part of a franchise partnership with Alimentos Exclusivos Corporation, which operates over 100 locations across Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Colombia.
Fogo de Chão's 2026 development pipeline includes openings in Las Vegas, Rio de Janeiro, Peabody, Massachusetts, and Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
The Costa Rica location features Fogo's signature churrasco dining experience, including the Market Table and Bar Fogo offerings.

The big picture

Fogo de Chão's entry into Costa Rica underscores its strategic focus on Latin American expansion, leveraging local franchise partners to navigate new markets. The move aligns with broader trends in the restaurant industry, where international brands are increasingly turning to franchise models to mitigate risk and accelerate growth. With a development pipeline spanning multiple continents, Fogo de Chão is positioning itself for sustained international growth, though success will hinge on its ability to adapt to diverse culinary preferences and competitive landscapes.

What we're watching

Execution Risk: Whether Fogo de Chão can maintain consistent quality and brand identity across its expanding international footprint.
Market Penetration: The pace at which Fogo de Chão can establish itself as a premier churrasco destination in new Latin American markets.
Partnership Dynamics: How the franchise partnership with Alimentos Exclusivos Corporation will influence Fogo de Chão's growth strategy in the region.