5. Fogo de Chao
Before Texas de Brazil barged its way into the hearts and minds of churrascaria eaters, Fogo de Chao was the big dog in this arena.
This big dog had a big bite for a while, being the main chain for Brazilian steakhouse chain for lovers of the churrascaria to take their Valentine’s dates. Though it’s lost its bite somewhat over the years, Fogo de Chao still has the name recognition and the cache to woo many dates on the day of love.
One thing that Fogo de Chao has over its competition is the fact that the founders of the restaurant are actually from Brazil.
Southern Brazil to be exact.
The man we have to thank for making the churrascaria a recognized name here in the States is Serra Gaucha, who learned the art of churrasquerio while he was building the concept for the chain that would revolutionize the steakhouse business.
The first Fogo de Chao was a wooden structure (thank God it didn’t catch on fire), and businessman and many other famous types flocked to Brazil to see and experience this new way of eating steak and other Brazilian meats.
The first Fogo de Chao opened in Dallas, and the rest, as they say, is history. Fogo de Chao made the Brazilian steakhouse “cool” here in America, and gave birth to the phenom that we all know and love today. So, if you have a Fogo de Chao in your town, it is still one of the best chain restaurants for a night filled with lovey-dovey moments.