Brazilian sandwich chain eyes U.S. market

Another foreign restaurant chain is planting its flag on U.S. soil. A steak and sandwich fast-casual concept with 350 outlets across Brazil plans to open its first American outpost next month in north Miami.

Giraffas touts its fare as “knife and fork food,” with specialties like a five-ounce rump steak or filet mignon. The filet mignon is served on a bun, like a burger.

The concept is known in Brazil for its burgers.

Other specialties include spaghetti and shrimp and sides like quinoa.

The newly established parent company of the U.S. initiative, Giraffas USA, has yet to disclose its prices and full menu. However, the company has said the U.S. prototype will be open for all three meal times.

Giraffas (Portuguese for giraffe) is the latest in a trickle of foreign restaurant concepts coming to the U.S. Earlier this year an Australian chicken sandwich concept called Bondi Burger opened its first North American store. Nooi, a past concept from France, entered the New York City market. Meanwhile, overseas concepts like Nando’s, a chicken specialist from South Africa, and Vapiano, an Italian pasta and salad concept hailing from Germany, continue to grow.

Most of the newcomers are fast-casual, though earlier years brought an onslaught of all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouses.  

Members help make our journalism possible. Become a Restaurant Business member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.

Multimedia

Exclusive Content

Financing

Burger King proves that heavy discounts aren’t always necessary

The Bottom Line: The fast-food chain generated a strong first quarter, despite a tough environment, largely by focusing on its operations and its food.

Beverage

As cocktails hit $30-plus, consumers are opting to drink less—or stay home

Rising costs are pushing prices up at the bar, and consumers are pre-gaming to cut costs. Can restaurants and bars win them back with a more engaging experience?

Marketing

Raising a toast to the Mother’s Day traffic rush

Marketing Bites: The holiday is traditionally the busiest day of the year for restaurants, and the industry could use the bump.

Trending

More from our partners