Rodizio Grill is a unique restaurant concept, as America’s first Authentic Brazilian Steakhouse and the only restaurant of its kind in Nebraska. Nestled in Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket District, Rodizio embraces the theme of celebration—when you dine at Rodizio it is not just a delicious meal, but time well spent while enjoying your guests, the atmosphere, and a dining experience Lincoln is craving. LeRoy Braden is the Assistant Manager at Rodizio Grill.
Tell us a little about your business. – Rodizio Grill is a Brazilian-style steakhouse which features an abundant selection of authentic salads/hot sides and table-side meat carving service. We can accommodate over 300 guests in our main dining room, elegant bar, and two private rooms.
How did you get started in the business? – I’ve worked in restaurants since I was a teenager, but for Rodizio Grill I was approached by one of the owners who I met playing in a recreational basketball league at UNL. He knew I was a hospitality student and wondered if I would be interested in joining the management team of a new restaurant opening in the Haymarket.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – I enjoyed being a part of the opening of Rodizio Grill. I had the opportunity to learn, train, and embrace the tradition of Rodizio Grill at their flagship corporate store in Salt Lake City and just last month at a manager’s conference in Breckenridge, CO.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – I’m a pretty laid back person, so playing with my golden retriever, Django, is always an easy way to reset on a day off. I enjoy playing basketball, whether it’s just shooting hoops or being in a league.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – Life is a journey, embrace it!
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Adventuresome.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – I would want to have the ability to fly.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life? – Without sounding presumptuous, I’d have to say my basketball skills. I do practice with paper towels and trash cans, but it’s not the same.
Which talent would you most like to have? – Sing! Looking back, I wish I would’ve spent a little time honing my voice. I’m the type who sings out loud, but shouldn’t!
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – I would say the medical field; mainly dealing with crisis relief or foreign aid.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – Harry Potter, specifically The Goblet of Fire.
What is your favorite movie? – Fight Club.
What is your favorite TV show? – True Detective. It’s only been on one season so far, but it’s awesome.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Rodizio Grill, of course! But I enjoy cooking so any place with authentic cuisine is my second choice.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – Abraham Lincoln.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – I can be reached directly via email at Leroy.lnk@rodiziogrill.com, or you can visit our website at www.rodiziogrill.com and go to the Contact tab.