VIP guests at the launch of RIO Brazilian Steakhouse in York were treated to a taste of the Brazilian carnival as the restaurant group introduced its unique dining experience to the city on Friday 15th September.
The award-winning steakhouse offers a set price concept of non-stop meats, alongside an unlimited gourmet salad, which guests were invited to enjoy throughout the night, accompanied by delicious wines and cocktails, including Brazil’s traditional Caipirinha.
The exclusive VIP event was attended by guests from key businesses and organisations in and around York, including Fenwick, Make It York, York Dungeons, York University and York Racecourse. On arrival they enjoyed a drinks reception, whilst local DJ Ryan Pepper provided the background beats, before being shown to their tables for the main event.
Once guests couldn’t possibly indulge in any more of the perfectly cooked steaks, belly pork, ribs, and luxury sides, they were treated to an assiette of the restaurant’s best desserts. The evening was topped off with a surprise visit by a troupe of Brazilian dancers who arrived in a flurry of colourful feathers. Many guests joined in an impromptu Rio-style conga as the lively dancers finished off a perfect evening.
James Brennan, Head of Marketing and Sponsorship at York Racecourse, said: “Representing a venue that knows how to entertain, I was impressed by what RIO has to offer. We had a lovely evening, enjoying wonderful steak in a great atmosphere.”
Operations Manager at Fenwick, Hannah Moran, said: “We thought the restaurant was fabulous, the food was beautiful, and the staff were fantastic.”
William Smith from Fenton Smith Financial Services said: “We had a brilliant time. The restaurant, food and service were all fantastic, we were even up dancing! We will be sure to return!”, while Mark Fowler, owner of C&D Leeds, said: “What a fabulous night, we really enjoyed the amazing hospitality, food and entertainment, and we will be visiting again very soon.”
Co-owner of RIO Brazilian Steakhouse, Rodrigo Grassi, said: “It was a great night at the launch of RIO in York and we’ve enjoyed an excellent start to trading in the city, with hundreds of bookings in the first week.
“We’re delighted so many key businesspeople were able to attend our launch night so we could showcase RIO Brazilian Steakhouse’s exceptional offering, and we’re certain the York restaurant will quickly become as popular as its sister restaurants in other towns and cities.”
RIO was founded in Jesmond in November 2019 – the York site brings the total number of restaurants to seven, its other locations being Jesmond, Newcastle’s Quayside, Middlesbrough, Durham City Centre, Warrington, and Chester.
After reaching number one on TripAdvisor in Chester just three weeks after opening and announcing the group’s plans to open another restaurant in York, RIO was inundated with applications for jobs at the new site.
RIO BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE is part of the Tomahawk Steakhouse Group, owned by co- founders Rodrigo Grassi and Howard Eggleston. RIO has traded strongly in 21/22 and continues to see growth even in tough times. The group is continually looking for new sites and open to discussions with landlords, VC and M&A groups for further expansion of the brand, with new sites under negotiation for opening in 2024. To book a table visit www.rio-steakhouse.co.uk/york – or call 01904 238144
RIO Brazilian Steakhouse, 18 Bride St, York, YO1 6DA
Facebook –www.facebook.com/RioSteakhouseYork
Instagram – _rioyork_
