By Kimberly Ruskan
It was a busy lunch hour, but the proud owners of the Brazilian restaurant cordially gave their time to share their story of their dream business, Chamas Steakhouse. Our conversation is about more than the food and the restaurant; it's the story of two entrepreneurial women, passionate business concepts, the utmost regard for partnerships, respect and pride of cultural backgrounds, and heartfelt desires of giving beyond the business. Let me introduce the spirited and gracious owners of Chamas Steakhouse, Rosana Silva and Raquel Siqueira.

Tell me about your background and what brought you to Durham, NC?

Rosana: We've been in business in Durham for about five years with a bread company: Caseiro Gourmet, Inc. We bake cheese bread called "cheenies" and make a Brazilian-style sausage for many Brazilian restaurants. After years of experience and knowledge working with these types of steakhouses, we decided to open one of our own. The contacts we had allowed us to see the success of these types of restaurants. We chose Brightleaf Square in Durham because of the atmosphere it brings and the historic building is just great.

How long did it take to develop your project and location?

Raquel: It took us about 6 months to find the right location, 6 to 7 months of negotiations and planning, 3 months of construction and remodeling and we were ready to go.

That's fast.

Raquel: Yes, but the whole project took more than two years in planning our dream business.

You researched what would work and what doesn't, based on your experiences with other Brazilian steakhouses. Did you add any personal elements to your business model that is not in other Brazilian restaurants?

Raquel: Actually, Chamas is real authentic. We added our own personality by using our own family recipes, bringing our families' taste and style, and how we grill the meat. Everything is tested and made by us and decided by us to be sure that is the same as if we were in Brazil.

So it's a true authentic Brazilian experience right here in Durham.

Raquel: Yes. It's owned by Brazilians, 95% of the people who work here are Brazilian and people ask us, "Is the meat from Brazil?" The meat is from the US but with the Brazilian taste.

There is a vast international population in Durham. Was this one of the reasons you chose this area verses somewhere else?

Rosana: There is diversity in Durham that helps people to understand the concept and accept a Brazilian steakhouse concept. But we were here with the bread company for five years.

Raquel injects and laughs: Durham chose us to be here!

Were there any challenges of the restaurant opening that you didn't anticipate?

Raquel: As entrepreneurs and the first time in the restaurant business, everything is a challenge. Serving the first course here was a challenge for us. We had to learn everything. It's a good sign. We don't carry any bad experiences to our customers. If President Bush came for the grand opening, he would be treated like any guest that we serve here. As Brazilians, we are internationally focused. We are here to serve the people and to please the customers no matter who they are. The biggest challenge was to introduce a new concept and get people to enjoy the concept and we have been successful in doing that.

Can you describe this unique experience?

Raquel: We really enjoy what we do and are very excited and passionate about the restaurant. The experience at Chamas is different from other restaurants. There are no menus. The food comes to you and all you have to do is to enjoy the food, your company or group, and just have fun. After you sit, you'll realize it's just not about the food. Even our salad bar is not like the typical salad bar. In Brazil we don't call it a "salad bar" because it does not describe what we present here. I would say of the 95% of the people that dine here, it was their first experience at a Brazilian Steakhouse. We sell dining experiences at Chamas.

Describe a tour of Chamas and what you want people to experience.

Raquel: First, you will be greeted by owners who are proud to be your hostesses. We've been doing jobs as hostesses, waitresses, bar tenders, and having a lot of fun. You'll see an open atmosphere because we want people to interact with workers and other people at their tables. It's alive and trendy. You'll see the waiters dressed as Brazilian cowboys called "Gauchos" serving skewers of various types of meat to enhance the dining experience.

Rosana: We are choosy about our meat selections and use a special grill from Brazil to prepare juicy and flavorful Brazilian style barbecue.

Raquel: We offer a wine list specializing in South American wines with over 200 to choose from. People are welcome to visit the wine cellar and offer new names to add to our own list. Since we do not have menus, the server will explain the concept and give you a coaster with red on one site, green on the other. When you're ready for the meat, just turn your coaster to the green side and a Gaucho will start bringing meat on skewers and carve it at your table. We have more than fifteen choices of meat. We give you a little tong to help you carry the meat to your plate and you can sample as much as you want, rest a little bit, turn the coaster to the red side, enjoy the atmosphere, then turn the coaster to the green side and start again. It's a Brazilian dining experience.

Rosana: The bar is big, open, and perfect for happy hours. Our favorite drink is called "Caipirinha" made from a Brazilian Spirit from sugar canes, lemon, and sugar. (See Recipe)

What were your biggest challenges in your business endeavors?

Raquel: We are a minority of a minority: Women of Spanish background. Everything we achieve is based on really hard work. It was not about luck. While managing family, husbands, children, we are very glad we can help people, employ people and become part of the Durham community. We brought a concept that other big cities like in Houston, New York, and Chicago have, and not part of a chain. We really enjoy what we are doing and the feedback from our comment cards has kept us so happy.

What's the best complement you've gotten so far?

Raquel: "We'll be back," as Raquel and Rosana laugh.

Will you describe Brazilian cuisine and culture?

Raquel: Brazil is a big country. The cuisine depends on the region of Brazil. In the northern region, they eat more seafood. In the central areas, they eat more pork and chicken, and in the southern areas, they eat more beef. But no matter where you go in Brazil, you eat rice and beans every day with all dishes. Cultural food influences are Portuguese, Spanish, mixed with tropical and Indian foods. We mostly grill meats in Brazil and do not fry many things. Mostly baked or boiled. Brazilian food is healthy.

Rosana: Because it is a hot country, we tend to grill, have salads, and eat fruits in the summertime weather.

Raquel: Brazil has many different kinds of people from Japan, Germany, Africa, Native India, Portugal, Europe, etc. Depends on where you go. But no matter where you are, everyone will be friendly. That's the trademark of Brazilians. We are very friendly. It's also a very festive country, full of friendly and warm people who enjoy life. That's what we bring to Chamas. We will bring Brazilian entertainment for people to enjoy and to share our culture. In February, we will have a 2-day and night Carnaval. In Brazil it lasts a month, like the Mardi Gras.

Can you tell me more about the Brazilian Carnaval?

It started in the mountains of Rio De Janeiro with heavy influence of samba music. The costume aspect was inspired by Carmen Miranda (a 1940's movie actress who portrayed a Brazilian entertainer who dressed in elaborate costumes and is known for her large headdresses and hats filled with fruit ornaments). As the Carnaval got popular, they started the parade to show off the costumes in the streets. Groups stated to organize, now called Samba Schools. There are about ten now. Later on, the government decided to build a street just for the Carnaval with a big outdoor square at the end of the street.

Rosana: Today it's like a competition and people come from all over the world in February just for the Carnaval. You can get involved in a Samba school, get a costume and dance in the streets with them. People prepare for a whole year.

Raquel: It has become a business in Brazil but it's for everyone to just have fun.

The following websites will give you more information:
www.ipanema.com/carnival/home.htm


Bahia:
www.bahiacarnival.com

Anything else you would like to share?

Rosana: As two Brazilian women, if we can start a restaurant business, anyone can fill their dreams. We hope to be an inspiration to other women here or anywhere who have dreams. They just need to follow it and go after it. What Raquel and I have is much more than a partnership. We share dreams together. That is why we are successful.

Raquel: The partnership is really important to fulfill our goals for Chamas: To create something different with quality, express our personality and share authentic Brazilian culture. We want to fill the restaurants with friends.

Rosana and Raquel welcome you to the ultimate Brazilian experience in Durham, North Carolina. Their friendly smiles and genuine hospitality will make you feel like you've been transported to Brazil.

Chamas Steakhouse
at Brightleaf Square
905 West Main St.
Durham, NC 27701
919-682-1309

www.chamas.us