Brazil’s Vivenda do Camarão Chain Debuts In U.S.

American chains have been expanding south and north of the border for years. In December, Brazil’s 161-unit Vivenda do Camarão restaurant chain made its American debut in South Florida. Its most notable adaptation to the U.S. market was the signage: in its two new Florida stores, the restaurant is known by its name in English, The Shrimp House.

The 30-year-old chain plans to open at least seven more locations in Florida in 2014, and up to 25 more in the state in the following two years; some, like its Miami store, will be exclusively food-court outlets. It expects to invest more than $21 million in its first 10 locations, a statement said.

Florida has a large Brazilian population, as well as a strong Brazilian tourism business, according to Carlo Barbieri, president of The Shrimp House in Florida.

Vivenda do Camarão is not the first Brazilian chain to move into Florida. Giraffas, a steak and hamburger chain with 400 locations in Brazil, launched its fast-casual concept in South Florida in 2011. It recently opened its sixth restaurant in South Florida. Giraffas was founded in Brazil in 1981.