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.  

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