Rio de Janeiro’s restaurant industry is a vibrant blend of traditional Brazilian cuisine and international flavors. As one of the most visited cities in South America, it offers a lucrative market for restaurant entrepreneurs. Whether you’re launching a new concept or expanding an existing brand, securing the right investment is crucial. Below is a carefully curated list of investors actively participating in Rio’s food and beverage sector.

Leading Investors in Rio de Janeiro’s Restaurant Scene

• 3G Capital – Co-founded by Brazilian billionaire Jorge Paulo Lemann, 3G Capital is known for investing in major food brands such as Burger King, Kraft Heinz, and Tim Hortons. Their expertise in restaurant operations makes them a strong backer for scalable ventures.
• Fasano Group – A name synonymous with fine dining and luxury hospitality in Brazil. Fasano’s high-end restaurants and hotels in Rio de Janeiro continue to set industry benchmarks.
• BestFork Experience Group – Founded by restaurateur Marcelo Torres, this group operates a diverse portfolio of dining concepts in Rio, focusing on quality and innovative culinary experiences.
• Gávea Investimentos – A private equity firm co-founded by Armínio Fraga, former president of Brazil’s Central Bank, with investments spanning multiple sectors, including foodservice and hospitality.
• Brazil Fast Food Corporation (BFFC) – The parent company of Bob’s, KFC, and Pizza Hut Brazil. They are one of the largest players in the country’s fast-food industry, continuously expanding their footprint in Rio de Janeiro.
• Bain Capital – A major global investment firm that acquired Brazilian steakhouse chain Fogo de Chão in 2023, aiming to grow the brand’s presence in Rio and other key Brazilian cities.
• Restaurant Brands International (RBI) – The powerhouse behind Burger King, Popeyes, and Tim Hortons, actively expanding its footprint in Brazil with a focus on Rio’s fast-casual and quick-service markets.
• Bramex Comércio e Serviços – A key player in Brazil’s foodservice industry, Bramex operates multiple restaurant chains across Rio, offering a mix of Brazilian and international cuisines.
• Fogo de Chão – This legendary Brazilian steakhouse, now backed by Bain Capital, continues to expand, solidifying Rio’s reputation for world-class churrasco.
• Firehouse Subs – Announced an ambitious expansion in 2025 with plans to open over 500 locations across Brazil, including a strong presence in Rio de Janeiro.
• Atarx Capital – A boutique investment firm specializing in hospitality projects, including innovative restaurant concepts in Rio’s booming food scene.
• Montreal Capital – Focused on funding early-stage and growth-stage food and beverage businesses, particularly those leveraging technology for efficiency and customer engagement.
• NXFood Ventures – A food-tech and restaurant investment firm that supports sustainable, scalable dining concepts in Rio and beyond.
• Triada Negócios – An investment group focused on hospitality and retail, actively funding innovative restaurant chains and franchises in Brazil.
• Brasil Venture – Specializing in venture capital investments for consumer brands, including fast-growing restaurant startups in Rio.
• Quasar Asset Management – Invests in high-potential hospitality businesses, with a focus on foodservice brands scaling up in major cities like Rio.
• Aimoré Investimentos – An equity investment firm supporting emerging restaurant brands that have strong growth potential in Rio de Janeiro.
• Blue Horizon Ventures – Specializing in sustainable food investments, including plant-based restaurant concepts and alternative protein startups.
• Gastro Ventures – Focused exclusively on restaurant investments, helping culinary entrepreneurs scale their businesses in Rio and across Brazil.

Market Insights and Trends

Rio de Janeiro’s restaurant market is thriving. Tourism remains a key economic driver, with over 1.2 million international visitors in 2023. The rise of digital ordering and delivery platforms like iFood and Rappi has reshaped consumer behavior, making tech-driven restaurant concepts particularly attractive to investors.

Fine dining is also gaining traction, with Michelin-starred restaurants in Rio increasing by 40% in the past five years. At the same time, fast-casual concepts – not franchises – are showing the highest growth, fueled by younger consumers seeking affordable yet high-quality dining experiences.

The Brazilian foodservice market is projected to reach USD 27.08 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2031. Urbanization, an expanding middle class, and an increasing appetite for diverse culinary experiences are driving this surge.

For entrepreneurs looking to secure investment, the key is differentiation. What makes your restaurant concept stand out? Investors are looking for innovation, scalability, and strong brand positioning. If you need help structuring a restaurant investment deal, check out DealStructuring.com for expert insights.

The restaurant landscape in Rio de Janeiro is evolving rapidly. The question is – will your concept be the next success story?