The developer of the former Saks Fifth Avenue site Downtown has landed its first tenant — a Brazilian steakhouse.
Millcraft Investments announced today that Fogo de Chao, a Brazilian steakhouse, has signed a lease to occupy about one-third of the 30,000 square feet of street-level retail space that will be part of the development, which includes a six-level parking garage and 77 condos.
Fogo de Chao is new to Pittsburgh. The restaurant began in Brazil in 1979 and currently has 24 locations in the United States and nine in Brazil.
It is known for its fire-roasted meats, which are carved at tableside to match the preferences of diners. The restaurant also features an extensive wine list, seasonal and gourmet salads and a la carte seafood options.
"We're thrilled to bring this unique dining experience into the core of Downtown Pittsburgh," said Lucas Piatt, Millcraft president. "They will be an exciting new addition to the Smithfield Street corridor and offer a great new dining experience for Pittsburghers and visitors alike."
The steakhouse fills the first of several retail and restaurant slots available in the redevelopment. Millcraft, which is partnering with McKnight Realty Partners in the project, has said it has commitments from others for the remainder of the space but has not identified them.
In its first phase, 350 Oliver, as the redevelopment is known, will feature a parking garage with spaces for 585 cars and 60 bikes, plus the 30,000 square feet of commercial space, all to be completed in 2016. The condos, called Lumiere, will be built in a second phase.
Demolition of the former Saks building and several others is expected to start in March. Saks closed the store in March 2012 after 60 years in Pittsburgh.
First Published: December 16, 2014, 5:23 p.m.