Fogo de Chão, the internationally renowned restaurant from Brazil that allows guests to make discoveries at every turn, today announced plans to make its debut in Ecuador with the signing of a franchise development agreement with the Eljuri Group. Through the agreement, the Eljuri Group is set to bring three Fogo restaurants to Ecuador in the coming years. The first location, in Quito, is slated to open in the summer of 2023. The announcement follows Fogo’s recently announced plans to enter Bolivia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Canada and the Philippines, as the brand continues to execute its strategic global growth plan.
The first of three restaurants will open at the JW Marriott, Quito’s premier luxury hotel, and will feature Fogo’s innovative design enhancements. The Quito restaurant will showcase Fogo’s recent brand transformation with enhanced design and innovation platforms in a warm, timeless and approachable setting. Design innovation platforms include an open air churrasco grill where guests can watch as gaucho chefs display the culinary art of churrasco, and a glass-enclosed terrace and bar area for guests to enjoy views of the Ecuadorian sky year-round.
The demand fueling Fogo’s international growth strategy can be credited to the brand’s continued year-over-year positive traffic results and a young, growing guest demographic. For nearly 45 years, Fogo has provided guests with authentic experiences rooted in discovery and continues to transform, innovating to fit guests’ needs. Fogo’s newest openings include restaurants in Woodland Hills, Calif., Paramus, N.J., Coral Gables, Fla., Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Queens, N.Y., Reston, Va., Monterrey, Mexico and more expected soon.
“2023 is starting as another strong year for Fogo as we continue to execute on our long-term strategic growth plan, which includes expanding our presence in South America,” says Barry McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of Fogo de Chão. “We are honored to work with the accomplished team at the Eljuri Group to bring Fogo to Ecuador for the first time. Our franchisees around the world are an essential part of our brand and we are proud to work with them to introduce new guests to the culinary art of churrasco.”
With operations in the U.S., Latin America and Europe, the Eljuri Group manages a portfolio of well-known, international hospitality, retail and automotive franchises including JW Marriott, Hilton, Wendy’s, Volkswagen, Hyundai and KIA.
“We are proud to work with Fogo de Chão to bring their distinctive menu and innovative dining experience to Ecuador for the first time,” says Juan Pablo Eljuri, Chairman of the Eljuri Group. “As a longtime fan of Fogo de Chão myself, I believe it will be a unique addition to our portfolio of hospitality brands and look forward to bringing the culinary art of churrasco to Ecuadorians soon.”
Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo de Chão is a 45-year-old brand known for its dining experience of discovery and showcasing the culinary art of churrasco where guests can watch as gaucho chefs butcher, hand-carve and grill high-quality cuts of protein over an open flame. With a warm, timeless design and signature offerings including a fresh and seasonal Market Table and an award-winning Bar Fogo menu featuring hand-crafted cocktails and South American wines, Fogo has become a destination of choice by both brand advocates and new guests globally.
