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For more information, visit www.stayinchattanooga.com or www.rodiziogrill.com. To apply for a job, email Roshan Amin at rcamin@gmail.com.
The self-proclaimed "first Brazilian Steakhouse" in the country is expanding to Chattanooga, and will open in the first-floor space at the new, $19 million Holiday Inn & Suites currently going up downtown at 434 Chestnut St.
Rodizio Grill premiered in the United States in 1995 when its founder, Ivan Utrera, decided to open the popular Brazilian venue he grew up visiting in his hometown, Sao Paulo, Brazil. There are currently 15 Rodizio Grill locations in 12 states, all franchised.
The Chattanooga Rodizio Grill franchise is the product of a partnership between Roshan Amin -- developer of the new downtown Holiday Inn -- and Carlos Kal, owner and manager of Totto Sushi Bar and Grill, a North Shore restaurant.
Kal grew up in Brazil. And "having grown up in Brazil, I have so many fond memories dining out at churrascarias -- enjoying the food, spending time with family and laughing with friends," he said.
Amin said last December the new hotel's developers were seeking a top-notch, higher-end dining experience to complement the higher-end Holiday Inn format coming to Chestnut Street.
And the fit, he says now, turned out to be the Brazilian-themed churrascaria (cooked in churrasco style, Portuguese for barbecue) restaurant, which hasn't been done in the city.
Rodizio will complement Hennen's -- located two blocks away north on Chestnut Street -- and Porter's Steakhouse, located five blocks away at the Reid House along M.L. King Boulevard.
Construction continues on a new Holiday Inn & Suites downtown.Rodizio will serve local patrons, but it will also serve as the new downtown hotel's restaurant and serve breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
The restaurant will serve rotisserie grilled meat, which will be carved and served table-side by staff. Endless appetizers will accompany meals, and guests will also put together salads from the "award-winning gourmet salad bar."
Homemade desserts, a large wine list and an offering of cocktails also will be available.
And "the inviting, homey atmosphere will offer authentic, homemade Brazilian cuisine served with unprecedented excellent service -- perfect for corporate gatherings, family celebrations and catered events," said Amin.
The 139-room, 145,000-square-foot hotel and restaurant are scheduled to open this fall.
Contact staff writer Alex Green at agreen@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6480.