Steakhouse chain to serve up first Sunderland venue

The operator behind the RIO Brazilian Steakhouse chain is preparing to launch its first Sunderland outpost next year. 

Opening in early 2024, the brand will take over the former Halo bar and restaurant on Low Row in the city centre, having worked with Sunderland City Council to identify suitable premises. 

Work is now underway on the £450,000 renovation of the restaurant, which is expected to create over 45 new jobs once it opens in May. 

The business first outlined its plans to expand to the city in 2022, with co-founder and co-director Rodrigo Grassi saying he is excited to finally see these plans come to fruition. 

"We are looking forward to taking the new site in Sunderland, having been searching for a suitable place for a while," he says. 

"We will be starting the recruitment process in the new year as we look to recruit vital team members... We have found the RIO opening model to work well with our team. They are well-oiled at new openings, which maintains high levels of customer satisfaction and service."

Founded in Jesmond in 2019, RIO is a set-price concept that offers non-stop meats and an unlimited gourmet salad bar with over 35 options to choose from. 

The group currently operates seven RIO restaurants across the North of England, with its first Scottish branch set to open in due course.

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