In the heart of Vaughan, Newmarket and Richmond Hill, our BBQ chicken has become something of a legend. But the story behind that perfectly grilled, juicy chicken with its signature piri piri sauce goes far beyond our restaurant walls. It’s a journey that spans two decades, connects three restaurants to one farm, and blends Portuguese traditions with Ontario’s finest ingredients.
From Portugal to Vaughan: A Family Tradition Takes Root
Our story began in 2003 when our family noticed something missing in the Vaughan/Richmond Hill area: an authentic churrasqueira offering the Portuguese BBQ flavors that were captivating Toronto. With a business-savvy mother and a father seasoned in hospitality, transforming treasured family recipes into restaurant-worthy dishes came naturally.
“We wanted to bring traditional Portuguese cooking to our community,” our founder recalls. “Simple preparation that lets quality ingredients speak for themselves—that’s the essence of Portuguese cuisine.”
The Farm That Changed Everything
Twelve years ago, we took a bold step that many considered risky at the time—we started our own farm in nearby King Township. This wasn’t just about growing vegetables; it was a vision for sustainability and local resilience long before “farm-to-table” became a popular concept.
“The restaurant industry wasn’t particularly focused on local food sources back then,” our farm manager explains. “In fact, there was resistance to changing suppliers because consistency was valued above all else. Our parents worried customers might not appreciate the shift.”
The breakthrough came simply: we started bringing farm-fresh produce directly into our kitchens. Chefs immediately noticed the difference—vibrant flavors, reduced food waste, and ingredients that elevated the presentation of every dish. Soon, they were requesting specific varieties that would enhance our menu offerings.
From Farm to Famous Flavors
Today, our King Township farm supplies essential ingredients that define our signature taste: aromatic garlic, fresh parsley, oregano, and the essential peppers for our renowned piri piri sauce. We also grow our own lettuces, cucumbers, tomatoes, and cabbages, while sourcing potatoes and carrots from neighboring Ontario farms.
This direct connection between farm and kitchen ensures that when you taste our BBQ chicken, you’re experiencing Ontario’s seasons and soil in every bite. The piri piri sauce that gives our chicken its distinctive kick features peppers grown just kilometers from your plate—a difference you can absolutely taste.
The Secret Behind Perfect BBQ Chicken
Anyone who’s attempted to barbecue chicken knows the challenge: how do you ensure it’s thoroughly cooked while keeping it juicy and flavorful, with that perfect char on the outside?
Our solution came from necessity over 20 years ago when standard industry equipment proved inadequate (one even nearly caught fire!). We designed our own proprietary cooking system—essentially a specialized BBQ oven that cooks the chicken thoroughly while preserving all its natural juices and flavors.
“After this initial cooking stage, the chicken moves to our traditional BBQ grill where it develops that unmistakable smoky flavor and golden-brown color,” our head chef explains. “The final touch? A generous brushing of our house-made piri piri sauce made with our farm-grown peppers.”
This multi-stage cooking process is why our chicken consistently delivers that perfect balance—juicy on the inside, beautifully caramelized on the outside, and infused with authentic Portuguese flavors.
Quality From Source to Service
Our commitment to quality extends to every ingredient. All our chicken comes from Ontario producers, selected after years of finding suppliers who meet our exacting standards.
“Consistency is crucial when you’re serving half and whole chickens,” notes our procurement manager. “We needed suppliers who could deliver uniformly sized birds week after week so every customer receives the same generous portion.”
Traditional Simplicity
True to Portuguese tradition, our approach honors simplicity: quality meat seasoned with salt, cooked over the BBQ, then enhanced with garlic, olive oil, parsley, and our signature piri piri sauce. Fresh olives and a sprinkle of parsley complete the presentation.
This straightforward approach lets the quality of each ingredient shine through—from our farm-fresh herbs to Ontario’s finest chicken.
A Taste of Ontario’s Best
When you visit any of our three restaurant locations throughout Vaughan, Newmarket and Richmond Hill, you’re not just enjoying a meal—you’re experiencing two decades of family tradition, agricultural innovation, and culinary craftsmanship.
Our journey from a single restaurant to a farm-supported restaurant group reflects our commitment to Ontario’s local food economy and Portuguese culinary heritage. With every bite of our BBQ chicken, you taste the difference that this unique approach makes.
Come experience Ontario’s best BBQ chicken—where farm-fresh ingredients meet time-honored techniques, and every meal tells a story.
Looking for the perfect meal for your family tonight? Stop by any of our three convenient locations throughout Vaughan, Newmarket and Richmond Hill to experience our famous BBQ chicken first-hand, or call ahead for takeout that will make dinner special even on busy weeknights.
