Fogo de Chão CEO Barry McGowan at the opening of the Pasadena location on September 15, 2022. [Photo by Paul Takizawa / Pasadena Now]
Fogo de Chão Pasadena Sales Manager Jimena Sirri, Fogo de Chão Regional Director of Operations Neri Giachini, Fogo de Chão Pasadena General Manager Clair Pizzi at the opening of the Pasadena location on September 15, 2022. [Photo by Paul Takizawa / Pasadena Now]
Fogo de Chão Pasadena Restaurant Manager Stephany Rodarte, Fogo de Chão Pasadena General Manager Clair Pizzi, Fogo de Chão Pasadena Restaurant Manager Francieli Batistello at the opening of the Pasadena location on September 15, 2022. [Photo by Paul Takizawa / Pasadena Now]
Fogo de Chão Pasadena chefs at the opening of the Pasadena location on September 15, 2022. [Photo by Paul Takizawa / Pasadena Now]
Fogo de Chão Pasadena interior.[Photo by Paul Takizawa / Pasadena Now]
Marcos Vesouzo and Fernando Zardo at the opening of the Pasadena location on September 15, 2022. [Photo by Paul Takizawa / Pasadena Now]
There may be a new hotspot brewing in Pasadena.
The VIP party for Fogo de Chão, the acclaimed international Brazilian grill, was a dressed-up success last Thursday, a night before its official opening, as Mayor Victor Gordo and a host of local leaders and influencers helped dedicate the glamorous new eatery at 234 East Colorado Blvd.
According to an announcement from the restaurant chain, a portion of the first week’s sales were to be donated to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association, which supports non-profit organizations in the Pasadena area, funding sports and recreation activities, visual and performing arts and education programs.
“For over 43 years, Fogo has made a name in providing authentic Brazilian hospitality and creating incredible experiences for our guests from Brazil to the US and all over the world,” said Barry McGowan, chief executive officer.
“We’ve had a strong affinity for the Los Angeles market in our 20-year history and we look forward to expanding our Southern California footprint with our grand opening in Pasadena, giving the local community an exclusive look at what’s next at Fogo.”
McGowan added, “Giving back to the community is part of Fogo de Chão’s mission, and the local team is looking forward to making its entrance to Pasadena and continuing its commitment to serving the community.”
The new restaurant is in the historic Pasadena Bank Tower, only a block from Old Pasadena. The location features an expansive dining room centered around an open-air churrasco grill where guests can watch gaucho chefs demonstrate the art of churrasco as they butcher, prepare and grill different cuts of protein over an open flame.
The Pasadena restaurant also showcases a white Carrara marble Market Table, dry-aged meat lockers for in-house aging, two private dining rooms, and a lively indoor Bar Fogo area.
At the core of the churrasco dining experience, is a range of meats, from premium filet mignon to bone-in cowboy ribeye, beef ribs and lamb chops especially grilled and prepared and served, along with house specialties like picanha (prime cut of top sirloin) and fraldinha (bottom sirloin with strong marbling for robust flavor).
Fogo Pasadena menu selections include the “Full Churrasco Experience,” which includes all premium and classic cuts, plus the fresh and seasonal Market Table & Feijoada Bar and Brazilian side dishes.
Hungry guests can also indulge with the 20 oz. Wagyu New York Strip, carved tableside on a Himalayan salt block. There is also the dry-aged 32 oz. Long Bone Tomahawk Ribeye and 24 oz. Wagyu Ribeye.
And yes, there is a very happy happy hour. Watch for Pasadena Now’s full review of Fogo de Chão in the coming week.
Fogo de Chão is located at 234 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena. For more call (626) 556-9222
