Established
1995
Franchise Units
20
Minimum Investment
$2,500,000
Franchise Fee
$60,000
Total Investment Range
$5,000,000
Home Based
No
Description
Rodizio Grill is a pioneer of the authentic Brazilian steakhouse experience in the United States, offering guests a bold, immersive dining concept built around continuous tableside service, premium grilled meats, and a vibrant atmosphere inspired by Brazil’s churrasco tradition. Unlike conventional restaurants, Rodizio Grill delivers a full experiential meal, combining culinary theater, hospitality, and cultural storytelling into a high-energy dining format that consistently attracts families, professionals, and celebration-driven diners.
The brand has carved out a strong position in the polished-casual dining segment, sitting between upscale fine dining steakhouses and mainstream casual restaurants. This strategic positioning allows Rodizio Grill to command premium pricing while maintaining high guest volumes and repeat visitation. Its signature “gaucho service” model, extensive gourmet salad bar, and diverse menu offerings create a differentiated value proposition that translates into strong unit-level economics and long-term brand loyalty.
For franchise investors seeking a proven restaurant concept with national recognition, scalable systems, and a distinctive cultural identity, Rodizio Grill represents a compelling opportunity. The brand benefits from decades of operational refinement, a loyal customer base, and a format that performs well in destination retail, lifestyle centers, and high-traffic urban or suburban corridors across the USA.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
Investing in Rodizio Grill means aligning with a category-defining concept that stands apart in a crowded restaurant landscape.
Key investment advantages include:
-
A differentiated dining model that is difficult for competitors to replicate
-
Premium yet accessible pricing that supports strong average ticket values
-
Built-in celebration and group dining appeal, driving consistent demand
-
A refined operational playbook developed over decades of U.S. market experience
-
Strong brand recognition within the Brazilian steakhouse and churrascaria category
-
Multiple revenue streams beyond standard dine-in service
Background
Rodizio Grill was founded in 1995 and is widely recognized as one of the original Brazilian steakhouse brands to successfully introduce the churrasco dining experience to the United States. The brand was established by Ivan Utrera, whose vision was to blend authentic Brazilian culinary traditions with American dining expectations, creating a concept that was both culturally rich and commercially scalable.
The first Rodizio Grill location opened in Colorado, setting the foundation for a concept that emphasized continuous tableside service, fire-roasted meats, and a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere. At a time when Brazilian steakhouses were largely unknown in the U.S. market, Rodizio Grill positioned itself as an accessible yet premium alternative to traditional steakhouses, helping define an entirely new dining category.
Over the years, the brand refined its operational systems, menu structure, and restaurant design to support multi-unit growth. Rodizio Grill expanded steadily through a combination of company-owned and franchised locations, prioritizing quality, consistency, and long-term brand equity over rapid expansion. This disciplined approach allowed the concept to mature operationally while maintaining its authentic Brazilian identity.
Today, Rodizio Grill operates approximately 20+ active units across the United States, with a presence in key metropolitan and suburban markets. The brand competes within the polished-casual / full-service restaurant segment and holds a strong position in the Brazilian steakhouse and churrascaria category. Its continued growth is supported by brand recognition, a loyal customer base, and a franchise model built for operators who value systems, culture, and guest experience.
Support Training
Rodizio Grill offers a comprehensive, hands-on support system designed to guide franchisees from site selection through grand opening and into ongoing operations.
Pre-Launch Support
-
Market and site evaluation guidance
-
Restaurant layout, kitchen design, and build-out specifications
-
Assistance with vendor sourcing and equipment selection
-
Pre-opening staffing plans and hiring frameworks
Training Programs
-
In-depth initial training covering operations, food preparation, service standards, and management
-
On-site training at an operating Rodizio Grill location
-
Leadership and management development for general managers and key staff
-
Cultural immersion into the Rodizio Grill brand and service philosophy
Operational Support
-
Detailed operations manuals and standardized procedures
-
Food safety, quality control, and inventory management systems
-
Ongoing coaching to optimize labor, food costs, and guest satisfaction
Marketing & Brand Support
-
National and regional marketing strategy alignment
-
Local store marketing playbooks and promotional calendars
-
Brand-approved creative assets and messaging
-
Support for grand opening campaigns and ongoing community engagement
Ongoing Franchise Support
-
Dedicated franchise business consultants
-
Performance benchmarking and operational reviews
-
Continuous menu innovation and concept evolution
-
Access to a collaborative franchise network
Ideal Candidate
Rodizio Grill is best suited for franchisees who view hospitality as both a business and a craft.
The ideal candidate typically has:
-
Experience in full-service restaurants, hospitality, or multi-unit operations
-
Strong leadership and people-management skills
-
A passion for guest experience and food-driven concepts
-
Financial capacity to invest in a premium restaurant build-out
-
Willingness to follow a proven system while maintaining high standards
While prior Brazilian cuisine experience is not required, successful franchisees are those who appreciate operational discipline, cultural storytelling, and team-centric leadership. Rodizio Grill performs especially well in metropolitan and high-income suburban markets with strong dining demand.
Financial Detail
| Cost Component | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | ~$60,000 |
| Total Initial Investment | ~$2,500,000 – $5,000,000 |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | ~$750,000+ |
| Net Worth Requirement | ~$1,500,000+ |
| Real Estate & Leasehold Improvements | $1,200,000 – $2,500,000 |
| Kitchen Equipment & Churrasco Grills | $400,000 – $700,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Décor (FF&E) | $300,000 – $600,000 |
| Initial Inventory & Supplies | $75,000 – $125,000 |
| Pre-Opening Training & Travel | $25,000 – $50,000 |
| Grand Opening & Initial Marketing | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Working Capital (3–6 Months) | $200,000 – $400,000 |
| Royalty Fee | Ongoing % of gross sales |
| Brand / Marketing Fund Contribution | Ongoing system contribution |
| Estimated Break-Even Timeline | ~3 – 5 years (market dependent) |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Dine-in churrasco, bar & beverage sales, private events, catering |
