Texas de Brazil, a Brazilian-American steakhouse chain with restaurants in nearly two dozen states, will expand next year to Colorado Springs’ far north side.
Dallas-based Texas de Brazil plans to open an 8,019-square-foot restaurant at Polaris Pointe, the mixed-use development southeast of Interstate 25 and North Gate Boulevard, according to a proposal submitted to city government officials.
The single-story building will be constructed on 1.6 acres just northwest of the 8,000-seat Sunset Amphitheater that’s slated to host its first concert in August at Polaris Pointe.
The chain hopes to open in the first quarter of 2025, Hannah Thompson, Texas de Brazil’s marketing and public relations director, said via email.
Colorado Springs’ steady economic growth in recent years and evolving dining scene “with a growing demand for diverse culinary experiences” made it an ideal location for expansion, Thompson said.
Polaris Pointe was attractive because of its proximity to I-25 and the nearby Air Force Academy, which also draws local residents and visitors, she said.
The 200-acre Polaris Pointe is anchored by Bass Pro Shops and is home to numerous restaurants and stores, as well as an increasing number of entertainment concepts such as the amphitheater, a TopGolf driving range, the iFly indoor skydiving facility and the Overdrive Raceway go-kart track.
Polaris Pointe’s mixed-use nature “creates a vibrant and dynamic environment that can attract a diverse range of customers, including families, young professionals and tourists,” Thompson said. “The development’s inclusion of the Sunset Amphitheater certainly adds to this attraction, which all restaurants in the area will most likely benefit from.”
Texas de Brazil describes itself as a Brazilian-American steakhouse, or churrascaria, that combines churrasco-style cooking — skewered meat grilled over an open flame — with Southern hospitality and service, Thompson said.
The restaurant features “a continuous dining experience,” meaning that diners pay one price and can have as many servings as they like, she said.
Its menu includes 16 cuts of beef, lamb, pork, chicken and sausage, which are brought to tables via skewers and carved off in pieces for diners. Texas de Brazil also has a 50-item salad area, along with a la carte desserts and a full bar.
The Texas de Brazil at Polaris Pointe, which will employ 55 to 60 full- and part-time workers, will be the lone location in Colorado Springs; the chain typically doesn’t open more than one restaurant in a market, Thompson said.
Founded in 1998 as a family-owned business, Texas de Brazil calls itself one of the largest Brazilian-American steakhouse brands in the world, according to its website. It has 55 restaurants in 23 states and Puerto Rico and 10 international locations. The chain has one Colorado location — at The Shops at Northfield retail and entertainment complex in Denver.
In Colorado Springs, Texas de Brazil will join Tucanos Brazilian Grill, a similar Brazilian-style steakhouse that opened in 2012 at the First & Main Town Center retail complex on the city’s east side. Among other area restaurants, the northwest-side Taste of Brasil also offers Brazilian-style dishes.
Colorado Springs’ population growth has made it a prime target for restaurant expansions in recent years.
Several Denver-area restaurant and entertainment concepts — such as Illegal Pete’s, White Pie Pizzeria, My Neighbor Félix, the ViewHouse and Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar — have opened locations in Colorado Springs.
Regional and national chains that have expanded to the Springs — via company-owned or franchised locations — include In-N-Out Burger, Whataburger, Shake Shack, Old Spaghetti Factory, Dave & Buster’s and Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop.
