Hope and Jonathan Uzcategui, owners of Uzcategui Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, have opened a new fast-casual concept featuring foods from Jonathan’s native country of Venezuela.

Churrasco, the Portuguese and Spanish term for grilled meats or barbecue, is located in the Landfall Shopping Center, in the space formerly occupied by Pita Delite.

The Uzcateguis originally planned to build their business by starting with a food truck for mobile catering, but because they were required to work out of a commissary kitchen, the couple eventually decided that it made more sense for them to have a space that not only served as a commissary but could also be open to the public.

After first considering a table service restaurant, the family decided to go with an option that better suited the current pandemic situation and allows for them to operate with a more limited staff.

After signing on the space in mid-September, they spent the last month replacing table and countertops, installing new kitchen equipment, painting and cleaning, with the goal being to open as soon as possible.

Churrasco’s menu features family recipes passed down from Jonathan’s relatives which he and Hope have put their own spin on over the past ten years.

“We’ve been hosting dinner parties for years, knowing that we wanted to open a restaurant one day,” Hope Uzcategui said. “And we’ve spent tons of time in the kitchen with Jonathan’s mother and other relatives perfecting these flavors.”

The Uzcateguis use top quality prime cuts of meat such as tenderloin and skirt steak, and antibiotic- and hormone-free chicken. They plan to keep their menu small to maintain consistency and provide the best quality meats.

In addition to grilled meats and homemade sauces, Churrasco prepares fresh sides daily, including yucca, plantains and black beans and rice, with family-style meals available in several sizes. There are also salads, sandwiches and Arepas on the menu.

“Everything is made to order and we import our sausages and cheese as well as other ingredients from South America,” Hope Uzcategui said. “The food is very flavorful, but not spicy.”

Now that they have a brick-and-mortar location, Churrasco can serve the same menu at both the restaurant and from the food truck.

For more information on catering and to check out the menu online. 

Churrasco is currently open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. It might eventually open for lunch service as well. Indoor and outdoor seating is available, as well as curbside pickup.

Churrasco is located at 1319 Military Cutoff Road, Unit BB in Landfall Shopping Center.

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