Joe Abbruzese

Chief Development Officer

Fogo de Chão

Joe is the Chief Development Officer for Fogo De Chao and is responsible for all new restaurant development, including site selection, design and construction. Prior to Fogo de Chao, Joe was the Vice President of Development for iPic Entertainment. He was responsible for the development of new theaters and restaurants across the country. Joe led his staff and outside consultants through the design process to create unique theaters, restaurants, and bars that are world class and deliver the ultimate theater experience to the Guests. Prior to iPic, Joe was the Vice President of Construction and Facilities for Benihana, Inc., the nation’s leading operator of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants with 95 restaurants nationwide, including 63 Benihana Teppanyaki restaurants, 7 Haru sushi restaurants, and 25 RA Sushi restaurants. He was responsible for all new Restaurant Development as well as all remodel activities for the three Brands. His leadership throughout the design and construction process produced outstanding restaurants. Prior to Benihana, Joe spent seventeen years working for McDonald’s Corporation, the world’s leading QSR Company. He held several positions during his career with McDonald’s from Construction Project Manager to Strategic Planner to Operations Manager. His operations experiences provided valuable insight when planning remodel projects and designing new restaurants. He started his career working for large Commercial Contractors on multi-million dollar projects in Boston and CT. Joe graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Hartford with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering.