Fogo de Chão, the internationally renowned restaurant from Brazil that allows guests to make discoveries at every turn, announced plans to make its debut in Turkey with the signing of a franchise development agreement with Honest Holding. Through the agreement, Honest Holding is set to bring five Fogo locations to Turkey over the next several years. The announcement follows Fogo’s recently announced plans to enter Ecuador, Bolivia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Canada and the Philippines, as the brand continues to execute its strategic global growth plan.
Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo de Chão is a nearly 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.
“We are excited to work with Cengiz Deveci and the impressive team at Honest Holding to bring the Fogo experience to Turkey,” said Barry McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of Fogo de Chão. “This agreement marks an exciting step in the continuation of our global expansion plans, and we look forward to sharing the culinary art of churrasco with our newest guests and Fogo fans in Turkey soon.”
Founded by Cengiz Deveci, Honest Holding operates a portfolio of 24 brands comprised of respected hospitality brands like Juan Valdez Coffee, a premium Colombian coffee brand, and Le Pain Quotidien from Belgium in addition to businesses across a variety of industries, including travel and tourism, construction, aviation, transportation, and domestic and foreign trade. Honest Holding and the quality of services it offers have received numerous international awards and certificates both in Turkey and abroad and is a large employer in the region with over 1,500 employees. Ayhan Kap, Chief Operating Officer of Honest Holding, will oversee the development of the Fogo brand in Turkey.
“My interest in different cultures and values gave me the opportunity to travel the world, especially in Latin America. It has been an exciting journey for me to bring the outstanding flavors of a unique brand like Fogo de Chão to our country. From the first time I experienced Fogo, I’ve had this desire and I am excited to make this dream a reality,” said Cengiz Deveci, Founder of Honest Holding. “I believe Fogo will be an ideal addition to the local dining scene in Turkey and look forward to introducing new guests to the culinary art of churrasco soon.”
With 74 locations worldwide and growing, earlier this year Fogo announced a continued 15 percent annual growth rate through company-owned restaurants, with an additional international capital light franchise development strategy. Fogo’s newest openings include restaurants in National Harbor, M.D., Woodland Hills, C.A., Paramus, N.J., Coral Gables, F.L., Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Reston, Va., Monterrey, Mexico and more expected soon.
