Renowned Brazilian steakhouse chain Fogo de Chão is opening its second and third locations in New Jersey.

After signing a lease agreement with Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, the international brand expects to launch a new restaurant in the township later this year, Fogo de Chão announced in a July 13 press release.

The Passaic County location follows Fogo de Chão’s successful in-state debut in February at Westfield Garden State Plaza in Paramus, and is part of a larger global expansion effort for the chain.

Barry McGowan, chief executive officer of Fogo de Chão, said in a statement, “Since opening our first New Jersey restaurant in Paramus earlier this year, our brand has received an overwhelmingly warm welcome to the community.”

He went on to describe Wayne as the ideal location for the brand’s continued expansion efforts, praising the North Jersey municipality’s “vibrant atmosphere and passion for exceptional cuisine.”

“We are excited to continue our growth in New Jersey and bring our authentic dining experience to even more new and returning guests in the area,” McGowan said.

Following Paramus and Wayne, Fogo de Chão expects to add its third New Jersey location in 2023 at Bridgewater Commons in Bridgewater, according to the press release.

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, Texas, 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.