Brazilian Steakhouse To Open In Bridgewater In 2023

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A famed Brazilian restaurant specializing in the "churrasco" tradition of preparing meat over an open flame and serving it table-side is coming to Bridgewater.

Fogo de Chao, which means "fire on the ground," is a renowned steakhouse where chefs trained in a 300-year-old grilling practice derived from Southern Brazilian cowboys, or "gauchos," treat guests to a unique dining experience. The steakhouse will be launching its first Somerset County location in Bridgewater this year, per a news release from the company.

"The location is slated to open in Q4, likely by November," Fogo area director Ronaldo Chiesa told Patch.

A location in the Commons has yet to be announced officially by Fogo de Chao.

"We are pleased that Bridgewater Commons continues to reimagine the food & beverage experience at the shopping center. We are expecting Fogo de Chao to open at Bridgewater Commons this year. More details to come as they become available," Troy Fischer, senior general manager, told Patch.

Still can't wait? The internationally franchised restaurant's first location in New Jersey will be located at Westfield Garden State Plaza at One Garden State Plaza Boulevard in Paramus. It will open to the public on Jan. 27 as part of an expansion plan to open 12 new global locations, including three in New Jersey (Paramus, Bridgewater and Wayne).

“At Fogo, we will continue our strategic growth plans in 2023 with leases and development agreements signed to open restaurants in new domestic and international markets,” Barry McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of Fogo de Chao, said in a statement. “We are honored that the demand for our unique dining experience in both new and existing markets remains strong as we continue to grow our brand on a global scale. Where there is demand, we will expand, and we are thrilled to bring the culinary art of churrasco to more communities this year.”

New restaurants are set to include enclosed patios, rooftops and lounges, which are designed for unique dining occasions (including the Full Churrasco Experience) and provide added capacity year-round.

Fogo features differentiated menus for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and group dining, and takeout and delivery options. You can view a full menu of offerings here.

Other locations set to debut in 2023 include four California sites and outposts in Florida, Maryland, Texas, Washington, Rhode Island and Mexico.