The Bistro Group, a leading operator of iconic full-service, fast-casual and quick-service restaurant brands in the Philippines, today announced plans to expand its portfolio with a newly signed development agreement with Fogo de Chão, the internationally renowned experiential restaurant from Brazil known for the culinary art of churrasco. Through the agreement, The Bistro Group will bring five Fogo de Chão locations to the Philippines over the next six years, marking Fogo’s first-ever presence in Asia. The Bistro Group joins Fogo’s existing international franchise partners in Mexico and the Middle East and expects to open the first Fogo location in 2023.
The Bistro Group is a multi-concept restaurant company that operates a collection of domestic and international hospitality, casual dining, and upscale, chef-driven concepts in the Philippines, unified by a people-focused philosophy. The group currently operates 111 restaurants across 21 restaurant brands including TGI Friday’s, Italianni’s, Denny’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Rambla, Las Flores and more.
The international development agreement with Fogo comes as part of The Bistro Group’s larger growth plan, as it recently announced plans to open 30 restaurants including new and existing brands in 2022.
“Fogo de Chão is exactly what our business seeks out when looking for franchise partners,” said Bill Stelton, Chairman and CEO of The Bistro Group. “The company’s upscale and internationally-renowned dining concept, paired with its passion for Southern Brazilian hospitality and the culinary art of churrasco makes them an invaluable addition to our portfolio.”
Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979 and now headquartered in the U.S., Fogo de Chão is an award-winning restaurant concept known for offering dining discoveries at every turn, featuring the authentic flavors of churrasco where gaucho chefs butcher, prepare and grill high-quality cuts of protein over an open flame, then carve tableside for guests. Simply seasoned, fire-roasted proteins are the core of their prix-fixed Full Churrasco dining experience where guests can enjoy a variety of flavors ranging from premium filet mignon and bone-in cowboy ribeye; decadent beef ribs and lamb chops; and house specialties Picanha (prime cut of the top sirloin) and Fraldinha (bottom sirloin with strong marbling for robust flavor). With a modern, timeless design and signature offerings including a fresh and seasonal Market Table and an award-winning Bar Fogo menu featuring hand-crafted cocktails and South American wines, Fogo has become a destination of choice in major cities around the world.
“We are honored to partner with The Bistro Group to help bring the Fogo de Chão experience to the Philippines, as we accelerate our plans for expansion in both international and domestic markets,” said Andy Feldmann, President of International at Fogo de Chão. “We can’t wait to welcome the local communities to dine with us and discover new favorites at the Fogo table in Asia soon.”
With 66 locations worldwide and growing, Fogo earlier in 2022 announced a 15 percent planned annual growth rate through company-owned restaurants, with an additional international capital light franchise development strategy.
