Print
Restaurants

Brazilian Steakhouses End Their Run

By Liz Biro, posted Oct 23, 2013
(Photo by Liz Biro)

Wilmington’s Brazilian steakhouse run may be a flash in the pan.

Two such steakhouses opened within a week of each other in spring 2012. The last remaining of the pair, Gauchao Brazilian Steakhouse, 6317 Market St., recently closed.

The doors were locked not long after competing Espetus steakhouse changed its name to RaGaB in May and then closed in August.

Both locations focused on skewered beef cuts cooked on a rotisserie grill and presented tableside. Other meats were available, too, and all were accompanied by an all-you-can-eat buffet.

The two steakhouses were not affiliated. Gauchao owners were Leo Andrades, a personal fitness trainer, and his mother, a cleaning service owner, Andrades said when the restaurant opened. They partnered with Myrtle Beach’s Gauchao Brazilian Steakhouse to bring that restaurant here, he said.

Espetus/RaGaB operators were Fernando Almeida, who owns a Wilmington construction company but also has a restaurant work background, and his wife, Pollyana.

Gauchao owners could not be reached for comment, but a notice from the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office hanging on the front door stated that “by virtue of a Writ of Possession for Real Property” Gauchao Brazilian Steakhouse LLC was “ejected” from the property on Oct. 17. The plaintiff is Horizons Development LLC of Wilmington.

At the former Espetus/RaGaB space, 7110 Wrightsville Ave., restaurateur Tom Trinh has developed Shukai Thai & Sushi bar.

Meantime, a bargain Brazilian steakhouse named Brazilian Grill is moving into University Landing Mall. The buffet will cost about $10 per person; the buffet with grilled meat will cost about $13 per person, as opposed to the usual $25-$30 per person price for Brazilian steakhouse fare including both meat and buffet offerings, owner Washington Ferreira said.

Just a couple doors down from Gauchao, Frank’s Classic American Grill also recently ended service. Owner Frank DiNapoli in December moved operations there from 5621 Carolina Beach Road at Monkey Junction.

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Ccoudrietheadshot 942542742

Understanding the School Bond Referendum and What Your Vote Means

Chris Coudriet - New Hanover County Government
Untitleddesign14 2142522346

Cape Fear Buyers See More Options as Active Listings Reach New Highs

Janet Kane - Cape Fear REALTORS
Ttheadshot300x300 3262621246

Built to Last: Lessons from 250 Years of America

Tyler Thomas - The Cypress Group at RBC Wealth Management

Trending News

Wilmington Dermatology Acquired By Florida-based Firm

Cierra Noffke - Jul 21, 2026

City Weighs Funding For Film Workforce Group

Emma Dill and Cece Nunn - Jul 22, 2026

Senator, Commerce Department At Odds Over Film Grant Statements

Cece Nunn - Jul 23, 2026

Wilmington Announces Business And Economic Development Chief

Staff Reports - Jul 23, 2026

Novant Health Opens Shallotte Infusion Clinic

Staff Reports - Jul 21, 2026

In The Current Issue

Tackling Healthcare’s Root Issue

Community Care of the Lower Cape Fear as been providing care management services to six Wilmington-area and surrounding counties since 2003....


Ice Cream Shops Sweeten Beach Trips

Customers can add two to three items from a long list of fruits, candies and baked goods to be “Squiggled” for a custom flavor of ice cream...


Studio Owner Shares Love Of Dance

After working as an instructor for others, he opted to work for himself and is the owner of Fred Astaire Dance Studios locations in Wilmingt...

Book On Business

The 2026 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2024 Power Breakfast: The Next Season