For over two decades, our Portuguese BBQ chicken has been winning hearts and appetites across New Market, Vaughan, and Richmond Hill. What started as a single family-owned churrasqueira has blossomed into three thriving locations, serving generations of local families. But what exactly has made our BBQ chicken the talk of the town? Here are five reasons our customers keep coming back—sometimes driving from hours away just for a taste of their favorite meal.
1. Our Legendary Piri Piri Sauce
If there’s one thing that defines our BBQ chicken experience, it’s our signature piri piri sauce. This house-made specialty has become so popular that we’ve sold over one million bottles worth over the years! Made with peppers grown on our own Ontario farm, this sauce delivers the perfect balance of flavor and heat.
“We’ve actually had customers try to sneak containers of our sauce home,” our manager laughs. “It got to the point where we had to start bottling and selling it separately to keep everyone happy.”
The sauce is the final touch on our BBQ process, brushed lovingly onto each chicken as it comes off the grill. That distinctive flavor profile has become our calling card throughout the region and keeps customers coming back for more.
2. Generous Portions That Deliver Value
In an era of shrinking portion sizes, we’ve maintained our commitment to generosity. While many competitors offer quarter-chicken meals, we’ve always focused on half-chicken portions that satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
“People are genuinely surprised the first time they order,” notes one of our longest-serving staff members. “The value for money is part of what turns first-time visitors into regulars.”
This approach extends to our catering services as well, which have grown steadily over the years. At around $10 per person, our catering packages offer exceptional value without compromising on quality or quantity—making us the go-to choice for community events, family celebrations, and corporate gatherings throughout New Market, Vaughan, and Richmond Hill.
3. Fresh, Whole-Ingredient Philosophy
Step into any of our kitchens, and you won’t find freezers packed with pre-made items or processed ingredients. Instead, you’ll see whole, fresh ingredients waiting to be transformed into delicious meals by our skilled staff.
“Nothing comes in frozen except some seafood, which is unavoidable given our location,” our head chef explains. “Everything is prepared fresh daily, just like you would cook at home.”
This commitment to fresh, whole ingredients is driven by two simple beliefs: it’s the traditional way of Portuguese cooking that our family has always practiced, and most importantly, it simply tastes better. Our customers can taste the difference in every bite of our BBQ chicken—juicy, flavorful, and never from frozen.
4. Consistency That Spans Generations
With our first location now celebrating 24 years, our second at 17 years, and our third marking a decade in business, consistency has become our hallmark. Every week, across our three locations, we serve between 480 and 720 chickens to hungry customers who know exactly what to expect—perfectly cooked, fresh BBQ chicken with that signature piri piri flavor.
Our longevity means we’ve now employed multiple generations of local families. “We have staff members whose children grew up eating our food and now work alongside their parents,” our founder shares proudly. “That kind of generational connection to both our team and our customers is something truly special.”
The steady stream of customers means our BBQ chickens never sit around getting dry or cold—they’re constantly being prepared fresh and served immediately, maintaining that perfect juicy texture and temperature that mass-produced rotisserie chickens often lack.
5. Deep Community Roots
Perhaps the most meaningful reason for our success is the deep connection we’ve built with the New Market, Vaughan, and Richmond Hill communities over the past 24 years. As local residents ourselves, we’ve grown alongside our neighborhoods, participating in community events and becoming part of local traditions.
Our catering presence at annual community events has reinforced these bonds year after year. “It’s usually one of our regular customers who recommends us to their community group,” notes our catering manager. “Word of mouth has always been our most powerful marketing tool.”
These community connections create a dining experience that feels more like visiting family than simply eating out. Customers often know our staff by name, and we’ve celebrated countless family milestones alongside our patrons—from weekly family dinners to catering special events that mark life’s most important moments.
A Taste That Keeps You Coming Back
Perhaps the most telling endorsement comes from our own team. “After all these years of serving chicken, I can still eat it weekly and get excited about it,” admits our founder. “That says something about the quality and taste we’ve maintained.”
This enthusiasm is mirrored by our customers, many of whom have been dining with us since we opened our doors. Some have moved away from New Market, Vaughan, and Richmond Hill but still make the journey back just to enjoy their favorite BBQ chicken.
In a region with no shortage of dining options, we’re honored that our Portuguese BBQ chicken has earned such a special place in the hearts (and appetites) of our community. We invite you to visit any of our three locations throughout New Market, Vaughan, and Richmond Hill to discover why our BBQ chicken has become a local legend—and perhaps start your own tradition with us.
Visit any of our three convenient locations throughout New Market, Vaughan, and Richmond Hill to experience Ontario’s best BBQ chicken for yourself. Looking to feed a crowd? Ask about our catering options for your next family gathering, corporate event, or special occasion!
