Fogo de Chão

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

The Art of Churrasco, Rooted in Rio Grande do Sul

Fogo de Chão traces its origins to the Serra Gaúcha, the mountainous farming country of southern Brazil where the founding brothers grew up learning to cook over open fire. They left the countryside of Rio Grande do Sul for formal churrasqueiro training in Rio and São Paulo, then built their first restaurant — a wood-frame structure on the outskirts of Porto Alegre — out of an obsessive commitment to quality and respect for their family's culinary heritage. Politicians, businessmen, and celebrities made the trip from across Brazil to experience it. That reputation carried the concept to São Paulo, then to the United States with a debut in Dallas, and eventually to dozens of locations including Wayne, New Jersey.

Since 1979, the flame has not gone out.

The Full Churrasco Experience

The heart of the meal is the churrasco itself: fire-roasted cuts carved tableside in the gaucho tradition. Signature Brazilian cuts include Picanha (prime top sirloin), Fraldinha (bottom sirloin), and Costela, alongside indulgent options such as Wagyu New York Strip and Dry-Aged Tomahawk. The experience is rounded out by a freshly curated Market Table — seasonal, vibrant, and built to complement the richness of the meats.

Bar Fogo adds another dimension, offering Brazilian-inspired small plates and cocktails. The caipirinha, Brazil's national cocktail, holds a place of pride here.

A Wine Program Worth Noting

The Wayne location carries the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence (2024), a recognition that reflects genuine depth in the cellar. The Founders Tribute Wine Collection — four bottles named for figures in the restaurant's history — pairs specifically with the menu: the Jorjão Reserva Malbec alongside Picanha, the bold Sonhadores Cabernet Sauvignon with Filet Mignon, and the Eulila Red Blend with Lamb Picanha or Costela. These are not afterthoughts; the pairings are deliberate, and the list extends well beyond the house collection.

Group Dining and Private Events

The Wayne location accommodates large groups, private parties, and corporate events, with catering and to-go options available as well. For those who want the full Brazilian steakhouse experience delivered beyond the dining room, Fogo has built the infrastructure to make it work at scale — without sacrificing the quality that earned it its reputation.