The basics:

• Fogo de Chão plans 8,000-square-foot restaurant in Freehold
• New location will establish the chain’s 4th in New Jersey
• Brand also plans eateries in Princeton, Cherry Hill
• Fogo de Chão expects to open 14 to 16 restaurants in 2026

Popular Brazilian restaurant chain Fogo de Chão is planning a fourth location in New Jersey.

After signing a lease agreement at Freehold Raceway Mall in Freehold, the international brand expects to launch an 8,000-square-foot restaurant, according to property owner and operator Macerich.

At the Route 9 mall, Fogo de Chão will take space within the outdoor village by the center court entrance. Macerich did not announce an opening date.

Founded in 1979, Fogo de Chão serves grilled, seasoned meats cooked churrasco-style on skewers and then carved at the table by gaucho chefs. Its menus for lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and group dining also feature chicken, lamb, pork, seafood and salads.

The Dallas-headquartered concept currently has over 110 restaurants worldwide.

On NJ’s menu

After its successful in-state debut two years ago at Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, Fogo de Chão added restaurants at Willowbrook Mall in Wayne and Bridgewater Commons in Bridgewater.

As part of an ongoing expansion effort, the company expects to launch 14 to 16 new outposts this year.

The plan announced in January noted the chain also intends to open a site in Princeton. It will reportedly be located near the MarketFair shopping center.

Additionally, Fogo de Chão aims to open in Cherry Hill, Patch recently reported. The brand wants to take over a shuttered Italian restaurant on Haddonfield Road, that outlet said.

A spokesperson for the chain did not immediately respond to a request for details on Cherry Hill and Princeton.

More locations on the horizon

Freehold Raceway Mall is the latest Macerich property that Fogo de Chão will join. The chain recently announced plans for Green Acres Valley Mall in Valley Stream, N.Y., and Crabtree in Raleigh, N.C.

Macerich Senior Vice President of Leasing Eric Bunyan said, “We’re thrilled to have Fogo de Chão joining Freehold Raceway Mall. Fogo is a well-respected brand with a loyal following, and we’re confident it will resonate with both our local community and visitors. We’re looking forward to seeing the restaurant become part of the mall’s continued growth.”

Fogo de Chão CEO Barry McGowan said the brand is excited to continue its growth across New Jersey with a spot at Freehold Raceway Mall.

He went on, “As one of the region’s premier shopping and lifestyle destinations, the center aligns perfectly with our upscale dining experience and commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality. We look forward to introducing guests to the warmth, tradition, and refined culinary excellence of Southern Brazil that have defined our brand for more than 46 years.”