This week, Toronto-based Brasa Peruvian Kitchen celebrates the grand opening of its sixth restaurant and its third in New York City. The quick casual chain of fresh bowls, salads, and smoothies at 685 3rd Ave in Midtown New York has a ‘soft’ opening in December. Introduced by veteran restauranteur Michel Falcon, the quick casual restaurant evolved from a ghost kitchen concept featuring the nutrient-dense bowls, fresh salads, and protein smoothies crafted with organic Peruvian superfoods like quinoa, maca, and camu camu berry. The menu is designed by Peruvian-born chefs and audited by nutritionists to balance flavor and health, with options for both animal and plant-based diets. From its initial takeout and delivery concept launched during the pandemic, by late 2022 the chain had three locations operating in downtown Toronto, including a unit in the Market Place at First Canadian Place. Then, in 2024 the chain opened its first location in NYC, an 850 square foot location in One New York Plaza in the Financial District in Manhattan and in mid-2025 it opened a 1200 square foot location on 30th Ave at 33rd St in the Astoria neighbourhood in Queens. Falcon, an established entrepreneur, international keynote speaker and author, has previously suggested that aggressive expansion will include Canada and U.S. According to a recent interview in QSR industry magazine, Brasa’s first franchise is expected to open in Toronto in Q3 2026, and the company’s goals call for 250 operating franchises by 2031.
Brasa Peruvian Kitchen, 100 King St West, Toronto, Ontario M5X 1A9 (844/492-7277 www.brasaperuvian.com)