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Brazilian restaurant chain Fogo de Chão is opening its third location in New Jersey.

After signing a lease agreement with Bridgewater Commons in Bridgewater, the international brand expects to launch its new location in early 2024, Fogo de Chão announced in an Aug. 2 news release.

The Somerset County location follows Fogo de Chão’s successful in-state debut in February at Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus and scheduled opening later this year at Willowbrook Mall in Wayne. 

Barry McGowan, chief executive officer of Fogo de Chão, said the chain is thrilled to expand into Central Jersey. “We look forward to welcoming guests to our new restaurant soon to discover the Culinary Art of Churrasco and the very best cuts that Brazil has to offer right here in Bridgewater,” he said.

Tom Kovacic, marketing and business development director at Bridgewater Commons, echoed the sentiment, saying, “We are very excited to add Fogo de Chão’s experiential dining atmosphere as yet another example of our growing concentration on high-quality food and beverage, as we continue to add the stores and experiences that resonate with Central New Jersey.”

Kovacic added, “It’s especially gratifying as we celebrate our 35th anniversary and our new owners in Pacific Retail Capital Partners, and we’re looking forward to doing so together with Fogo de Chão.”

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

After making its stateside debut in 1997 with a location in Dallas, the concept continued to grow to 70-plus restaurants throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, Brazil, Mexico, Dubai and Saudi Arabia, including a flagship in New York City.

As part of its strategic growth plans for 2023, the brand has already signed 12 new domestic and international leases in key markets, including California, Maryland, Washington and Ecuador, and recently announced plans to enter Turkey and Bolivia.