What a difference a few years can make at one Houston restaurant site. We first covered this property in April 2024, before Fogo de Chão opened and while plans were still moving forward. Johnny Carino’s once stood here, but the building was later demolished for an entirely new restaurant. The images below rewind the property to open land, revisit the Johnny Carino’s years, and then jump ahead to today’s Fogo de Chão.
December 2002
The property remained undeveloped in December 2002, with an open grassy tract covering the future restaurant site. Nearby commercial development had started taking shape, but the Johnny Carino’s building had not yet appeared. The aerial captures the property before it became part of the growing commercial corridor along the freeway.
January 2023
Johnny Carino’s still occupied the site in January 2023. Its stone exterior, red tile roof, palm trees, and Italian styling remained intact. The Mediterranean-style building looked dramatically different from what would eventually replace it. At the time, there was little outward indication that another restaurant would soon take over the property.
October 2025
Fogo de Chão had opened at the site by October 2025, replacing the former Johnny Carino’s building. The stone walls, red tile roof, and Mediterranean styling were gone. A taller modern building now featured clean lines, dark panels, large windows, and wood-toned accents.
March 2026
A March 2026 aerial shows the fully developed restaurant site within the surrounding shopping center. The Fogo de Chão building occupies the former Johnny Carino’s property within the larger commercial development. Parking now surrounds the restaurant on several sides. Compared with the open tract seen in 2002, the property was fully integrated into the Northwest Freeway retail corridor.
Founded in 1979 in Brazil, Fogo de Chão has evolved into a global culinary name, with over 70 locations across five countries. Known for its full-service approach and authentic Brazilian cuisine, the steakhouse aims to introduce Houston diners to its rich flavors and traditions.
Last Updated on August 24, 2026 by F.E.M