Fogo de Chão CEO Barry McGowan on Expansion: ICR Conference 2026

Exec Edge hosted a fireside chat at the ICR Conference 2026 with Barry McGowan, Chief Executive Officer at Fogo de Chão. The in-person interview was joined by Editor-in-Chief John Jannarone, and they discussed the company’s continued domestic and international growth in 2025, menu innovation while maintaining brand heritage, Fogo de Chão’s plans for further expansion both domestically and internationally, among other topics.

About Barry McGowan

George B. McGowan (Barry) has served as Chief Executive Officer of Fogo de Chão since 2019, and served as its President from 2013–2018. Barry has over 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, including more than 10 years with Brinker International. He served as Chief Operating Officer of Macaroni Grill from 2010 to 2013 and as President and Chief Executive Officer of Waterloo Restaurants from 2002 to 2010. With his prior experience, Barry brings a broad range of strategic leadership and operational knowledge to Fogo de Chão. Barry holds a B.S. in Hotel Restaurant Management from the University of North Texas and a Graduate Certificate in Finance from Southern Methodist University.

About Fogo de Chão

Fogo de Chão is an internationally renowned restaurant that allows guests to discover what’s next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old cooking technique of churrasco – the art of roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame – into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Fogo offers differentiated menus for all dayparts including lunch, dinner, weekend brunch and group dining, plus full-service catering and contactless takeout and delivery options. Barry has served as Chief Executive Officer of Fogo de Chão since 2019 and has over 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, including more than 10 years with Brinker International.