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INCOMING: Fogo de Chao

Famed Brazilian Steakhouse coming to former Borders location in Gaslamp

We were sworn to secrecy. Now it’s official. Big-time Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chao has signed on for the former Borders location at the corner of 6^th and G Streets in the Gaslamp. This is a massive space (11,000-plus square-feet), but Fogo has the repute and money behind it to take it on. What is Fogo? It’s a high-end churrascaria (Brazilian steakhouse) with meat presented tableside (prime sirloin, filet mignon, ribs, garlic lamb chops, etc.). Servers in big ole boots and red scarves also cook your meal—by impaling it with long skewers and spinning it rotisserie-style it in the back—meant to mimic the firey roasts of South American gauchos. It’s all rushed to your table when charred and ready. Currently, San Diego has very few churrascarias; but the one standout, Rei Do Gado, is located mere blocks away. They can’t be terribly pleased with this news. Hopefully Fogo will bring the Brazilian steak craze to a head and Rei will reap the homegrown rewards.

UPDATE: Fogo de Chao won't be the only tenant. Sounds like it'll be quite the mixed-use space, with more restaurants. The bottom floor alone of the former Borders is 15,000 square-feet. Fogo will take 11,000 of that. That leaves two corners of the bottom floor—for two other retail outlets. Meanwhile, there's another 18,000 square-feet upstairs. With Fogo signed on, expect other tenants to be announced soon.

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