Martinez said the restaurant sources prime cuts to ensure the best dining experience for its customers. Unlike traditional steakhouses where customers order specific portions, at Avenida Brazil, customers can have an all-you-can-eat experience, he said.
What's special about it?
The servers, known as "gauchos," come to the tables with a variety of meats for customers to choose from, he said.
Martinez believes that the variety and high-quality meats offered at Avenida Brazil set the restaurant apart and create a memorable experience.
Executive chef and owner Vanderlei Bernardi opened Avenida Brazil in Shenandoah in 2017 after the success of his previous two south Houston locations.
"He's passionate about the business, and when he's here, he brings a box of wine with four bottles and walks around the restaurant, offering customers a taste to see if they like it. He's always looking for ways to enhance the experience for our guests," Martinez said
Martinez said The Woodlands area has a diverse community with a variety of people who may not be familiar with the Brazilian steakhouse concept. He believes that introducing the unique experience of Avenida Brazil to this community has been rewarding, as many customers enjoy the service and the array of meats served directly at their tables, Martinez said.
"We try to do our best in everything we do here,” Martinez said. “I want people to leave happy.”
A closer look
Martinez explained how his team operates when customers visit.
“We understand that customers may have had a bad day, so our servers greet them with a warm smile, bringing joy and serving delicious food to make them happy,” Martinez said. “The best experience is when a customer waits for you, thanks you for an amazing job and leaves with a smile."
He highlights that the approach to service is different from traditional restaurants. Instead of each server having their own section, Avenida Brazil has multiple servers on the floor, all focused on taking care of the customers. This unique setup ensures that no table is ever neglected, and guests receive personalized and attentive service throughout their dining experience.
The goal is to make every customer feel special and leave the restaurant happy, according to Martinez. He said servers are trained extensively to be both knowledgeable about the meats they serve and to deliver service with a smile.
Among the cuts of meat offered are a 21-day aged top sirloin called picanha, seasoned with only sea salt. Shrimp, salmon, scallops, lamb chops, ribeye, bottom sirloin and filet mignon are among some of the other selections. Customers pay a flat price of $62 for their selection of meats as well as a salad bar and hot sides.
The future
Martinez says the restaurant owners plan to expand and open more restaurants in different locations. The goal is to make more people aware of the dining experience and to bring the Avenida Brazil concept to new areas.
Avenida Brazil Churrascaria Steakhouse
1400 Research Forest Drive, Shenandoah
281-651-5369
www.avebrazil.com
Hours: Mon.-Thu. 5-9 p.m., Fri. 5-10 p.m., Sat. 4-10 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.
