Popular Brazilian Steakhouse Chain Opening In The Providence Mall

A Texas-based Brazilian steakhouse chain is getting ready to open its first-ever Rhode Island location at Providence Place.

After seven years of empty restaurant space along Francis Street, Fogo de Chão is expected to take over the former Joe's American Bar & Grill location near CycleBar Studio and Gym.

Fogo de Chão describes itself as an upscale restaurant "where we celebrate the Culinary Art of Churrasco – fire-roasting high-quality, simply prepared meats." The chain is known for its southern Brazilian cuisine and for serving traditional meats and side dishes.

It all sounds like tasty and exciting news for the mall, especially as owners have begun talks about reinventing the space to include condos.

Joe's closed without explanation over seven years ago, so Fogo de Chão definitely has some work to do before it can officially open its closest location to the SouthCoast.

The company submitted outdoor seating renderings to the Design Review Committee of Rhode Island's Capital Center Commission and received approval from the Committee in February.

Courtesy Capital Center Commission (CCC)

The Francis Street patio would remain the same size as Joe's American Bar & Grill's, but it's adding extra seating to the patio by the side mall entrance.

With all this construction needed, no actual opening date for the new restaurant has been given by either the mall or Fogo de Chão, though the mall has confirmed a lease was signed.

However, if you just can't wait to try Fogo de Chão for yourself, there is a Massachusetts location in Boston's Copley Place.

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