As reported previously by BNEWS at the August 9th Select Board meeting, the Brazilian steakhouse Fogo De Chao applied to transfer the liquor license formerly used by Besito Mexican Restaurant. That license is the last liquor license available for town-wide use and the Select Board felt that one of the mall-specific licenses granted to Simon Properties would be more appropriate.
Fogo De Chao Attorney Eugene Richard returned to the Select Board this week along with managerial candidate Raido Ramos. Richard informed the board that since their last meeting Fogo De Chao has filed for a new “Mall” license not a transfer. The Select Board unanimously approved the new licence.
The board also held a hearing to approve Raido Ramos as Manager of Fogo De Chao Burlington. Richard explained Ramos was brought in from Fogo De Chao Chicago to specifically work at the Burlington location.
“He is now a resident of Burlington and has several years experience with the sale and service of alcohol in Chicago. He is TIPS trained and has made himself familiar with the local Burlington and Massachusetts rules and regulations pertaining to the sale and serving of alcohol,” said Richard.
Board member Bob Hogan questioned Ramos about alcohol safety precautions regarding the exterior seating area which will have a maximum occupancy of 117 seats.
“Do you have plans to protect the sale of alcohol from people outside that exterior seating area and can people get to the exterior part by coming through the restaurant?” asked Hogan.
“You must come to the interior of the restaurant to get access to the patio. And we have service monitoring on the site,” replied Ramos.
The Select Board unanimously approved Raido Ramos as the Manager of Fogo De Chao’s Burlington location.
Fogo De Chao will still need approval from the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) for the license.
Looking to open late September-early October in the old Sears location at the Burlington Mall, Fogo De Chao is a Brazilian steakhouse with international locations. It’s signature dish is continuous service of skewered meats served by Gauchos. Gauchos are a part of Brazilian cuisine focused on barbecue style meat cooked on skewers. The service will offer different meats sliced at table and is all you can eat for one price. Fogo De Chao will also serve salads and desserts, and pending ABCC approval will offer an extensive wine list and full service bar.
Attorney Richard thanked the Select Board for scheduling the hearing on an expedited basis.
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