Rodizio Grill Opens in Maple Grove

Updated April 19, 2012

After much anticipation, Maple Grove’s first Brazilian steakhouse, Rodizio Grill, will be opening at 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 20.

The Maple Grove location at  is one of several opening up this year nationwide.

“We are very excited about the warm welcome we have received in each new market we are entering,” said David Knighton, Rodizio Grill’s Director of Development. “We are certain that Rodizio Grill’s fun and energetic atmosphere will be the perfect addition to the Shoppes at Arbor Lake.”

Rodizio Grill originated in Colorado in 1995. Founder Ivan Utrera brought the Brazilian concept, along with  family recipes, from his hometown of São Paulo, Brazil.

“What sets us apart from other establishments is the complete control that guests experience when they dine at Rodizio Grill,” said Ivan Utrera, President and Founder of Rodizio Grill. “No other restaurant offers this much interaction.”

Rodizio Grill’s menu features three-foot meat skewers, seasoned and carved tableside by Brazilian Gauchos. Unlimited appetizers, over 30 gourmet salads and a variety of homemade desserts are part of the dining experience.

“We want our guests to have the best time possible, and to experience a little part of Brazil in their own backyard,” said Utrera. “When you walk into Rodizio Grill, you are not just walking into an establishment, but into a home. As soon as you enter one of our restaurants you become part of our family.”

Rodizio Grill Maple Grove is locally owned and operated by Al Nammari, Mike Stead and Mike Nammari.

“Rodizio Grill has become a favorite dining destination and is well established in the markets it currently operates,” stated Stead. “We are confident that the success Rodizio Grill has seen will be replicated in Maple Grove, and we are excited about this new venture we are entering into.”

Rodizio Grill is located at The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes, 12197 Elm Creek Boulevard in Maple Grove.  

For reservations: 763-657-1133

More information, including hours and prices, visit http://www.rodiziogrill.com/maple-grove

Information provided by Rodizio Grill. 

Continue reading below for original article and previous updates about Rodizio Grill. Be sure to follow Maple Grove Patch on Twitter, like us on Facebook and sign up for our newsletter, which send you updates about stories, breaking news, announcements, events and blogs on the site.

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Updated April 11, 2012

Those anticipating the opening of the new Rodizio Grill at are going to have to wait a little longer.

In a short interview with Patch on Wednesday, April 11, Michael Stead, local owner and operator of Rodizio Grill Minnesota, stated that the grand opening is projected to happen on April 20, 2012. 

"The premier Brazilian Steakhouse will be bringing Maple Grove their first authentic Brazilian Steakhouse, featuring over a dozen rotisserie grilled meats, perfectly seasoned and carved tableside by Brazilian Gauchos. Rodizio Grill is excited to bring the flavors of Brazil to Maple Grove, and is sure that their authentic flavors will be a big hit with the community," said Aymara Jimenez with Rodizio Grill in a press release.

Rodizio Grill Maple Grove will be located in 12197 Elm Creek Boulevard and their website www.rodiziogrill.com includes pricing and hours as well as continued up-to-date information about the opening.

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Updated article March 7, 2012

Hopes of a winter opening of Rodizio Grill has passed for Maple Grove residents.

The restaurant is now saying the projected open date is April 11, 2012, according to an email to Patch from Aymara Jimenez with Rodizio Grill. Owner Michael Stead told the Maple Grove City Council the restaurant was anticipated to open April 12 at a recent meeting.

The new restaurant was on the agenda for the March 5 Maple Grove City Council meeting for a public hearing. The business was requesting approval for an on sale/Sunday sale liquor license at its location at 12197 Elm Creek Boulevard, which was approved by the Council.

"We're really excited about bringing a Brazilian steakhouse," Stead said. "We love the concept, we love the food."

Read below for the original article about Rodizio Grill opening in Maple Grove.

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Original article posted Aug. 10, 2011

Maple Grove has become a retail mecca for many, second only to the Mall of America in terms of size.

While shoppers flock to the area to check out the stores, foodies visit the area to tour the restaurant scene. Now, food fanatics will have another spot tempting their taste buds.

Rodizio Grill, a Brazilian steakhouse, is moving into the former Smith and Hawken spot plus it’s taking over the space next to it, where The Gold Guys used to be in The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes. It sits near Trader Joes.

“We’ve had our eye on this area for a while,” Rodizio’s Director of Development Dave Knighton said. “It’s a great city with great people and we think our unique restaurant will be a success.”

Knighton says Rodizio Grill will offer a fun eating atmosphere, where customers pay one price for unlimited appetizers, salads, and all grilled meat items. At other Rodizio restaurants, which are mainly out west, that price is $32.99 per person. 

“Our staff comes right to each table and cuts any meat people want to try,” Knighton said. “It’s a great place for any occasion.”

Marketing Director for The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes Jennifer Zafft believes the restaurant will be a great addition to the outdoor mall.

“Our restaurants have become a real draw for the area,” she said.  “Foodies compare this new restaurant to Fogo de Chao but when you go there you pay downtown prices, where Rodizio will offer lower price points, less traffic headaches and a great atmosphere.”

Knighton says the restaurant chain started in 1995 and currently has four restaurants open in Colorado and Utah. Four others, including the one in Maple Grove, are in development. Their website announces the new franchise in Minnesota.

“It will definitely be on my list of places to try,” Adam Bucker said. This self-proclaimed foodie keeps a running list of the restaurants he wants to sample.  “I feel like this kind of place really bumps up Maple Grove’s restaurant credit,” he said. “It’s different, so I’ll definitely be checking it out.”

Knighton says crews are gutting the two buildings and are in the design stages right now. He says they are shooting for a mid November 2011 opening, but depending on construction it could open as late as January 2012.