Fogo de Chão and Brazilian Dignitaries Celebrate Rio by Ringing Nasdaq Opening Bell

Fogo de Chão (Nasdaq:FOGO), the internationally-renowned Brazilian steakhouse, celebrated Rio today by ringing the bell at the Nasdaq stock exchange. Special guests from the Brazilian Chamber, including Deputy Consul, Minister Lúcia Maierá, joined Fogo de Chão Chief Executive Officer Larry Johnson, Fogo gaucho chefs and team members to officially ring in trading for the day.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

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“Celebrations are integral to Brazilian culture, and to the Fogo de’ Chão experience,” said Chief Executive Officer Larry Johnson. Today, as all eyes turn to Brazil, the country where we opened our first restaurant more than 36 years ago, we are proud to share the values of hospitality, dedication and service that define this culture and drive our brand. I am honored to have been joined by Deputy Consul, Minister Lúcia Maierá, members of the Brazilian Chamber, and our Fogo team to ring the Nasdaq bell in celebration of this momentous event.”

Fogo de Chão recently unveiled The Fogo Guide to Brazilian Cuisine, a digital destination and culinary resource guide to all-things Brazil. The Guide offers authentic recipes, language lessons, etiquette tips and other regional facts for those who may be traveling to Rio, or those at home who may want to add authentic Brazilian flare to their own celebrations.

Fans visiting Rio are invited to join Fogo de Chão at its two area locations – the Botafogo neighborhood with stunning views of Sugarloaf Mountain, or the Barra de Tijuca neighborhood located near all of the event excitement. In the U.S., please visit any of Fogo’s 32 locations to enjoy a taste of Brazil without ever leaving home.

Founded in Southern Brazil, Fogo de Chão continues to implement the rich traditions, warm hospitality and passion for food and culture that is unique to the region and its people. Many of Fogo’s gaucho chefs, both in the U.S. and throughout Brazil, grew up on small farms in the Southern regions of Brazil. There they learned the culinary Art of Churrasco that has been passed down for generations. Today, the Company operates 42 company-owned locations across the U.S. and Brazil, as well as one Joint Venture location in Mexico City. Fogo de Chão opened its first U.S. restaurant in Dallas, TX in 1997.

About Fogo de Chão

Fogo de Chão (fogo-dee-shown) is a leading Brazilian steakhouse, or churrascaria, which has specialized for more than 36 years in fire-roasting high-quality meats utilizing the centuries-old Southern Brazilian cooking technique of churrasco. Fogo delivers a distinctive and authentic Brazilian dining experience through the combination of high-quality Brazilian cuisine and a differentiated service model known as espeto corrido (Portuguese for "continuous service") delivered by gaucho chefs. Fogo offers its guests a tasting menu of a variety of meats including beef, lamb, pork and chicken, simply seasoned and carefully fire-roasted to expose their natural flavors, a gourmet Market Table with seasonal salads, soup and fresh vegetables, seafood, desserts, signature cocktails and an award-winning wine list. The first Fogo de Chão opened in Brazil in 1979. The Company currently operates 32 restaurants in the United States, 10 in Brazil and one joint venture restaurant in Mexico. Visit FOGO.com for more information.

Media Contact:
Joy Murphy, ICR
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646.277.1242