Time Out Group last week announced it has partnered with Giunina LLC, a company established by Brazilian hospitality and entertainment executive Benjamin Ramalho to develop and operate Time Out Market Brazil under a master franchise agreement. Already operating in 13 cities worldwide, with five more locations in development, Time Out Market is set to make its South American debut in São Paulo in the first quarter of 2027.
The venue will combine Time Out Market's globally recognised model with a distinctly local identity, says the publisher. The project is expected to become a significant addition to São Paulo's food and cultural landscape, serving both residents and visitors in South America's largest metropolis.
Chris Ohlund, CEO of Time Out Group, said: "São Paulo is one of the world's great food cities and an exciting next step in Time Out Market's global expansion. We are delighted to partner with Benjamin Ramalho and the team at Giunina LLC to bring our market concept to the region and look forward to creating a destination that showcases the very best of the city's culinary and cultural talent."
Benjamin Ramalho, CEO of Giunina LLC and Founder of Time Out Market Brazil, added: "We are thrilled to bring a brand I have long admired to one of South America's most vibrant cities. With its cultural diversity, dynamic food scene and a public eager to discover new experiences, São Paulo is a natural fit for the first Time Out Market in the region. We believe its opening will mark an important moment for the city.”
Founded in Lisbon in 2014, Time out says Time Out Market was the world's first food and cultural market based on editorial curation, bringing together under one roof the city's chefs, restaurateurs and cultural experiences, from Michelin-starred names to local favourites. Curated by local experts, Time Out Market connects residents and visitors with the best of the city's food, drink, culture and entertainment in a single destination.
Part of Time Out Group, which reaches audiences across digital and physical platforms in more than 350 cities across over 50 countries, Time Out Market currently operates in Bahrain, Barcelona, Boston, Budapest, Cape Town, Dubai, Lisbon, Montréal, New York (two locations), Osaka, Porto and Vancouver. A further five Markets are in development, with Abu Dhabi, New Delhi, São Paulo, Prague and Riyadh expected to open in the coming years.
This marks the second Time Out Market franchise agreement signed by Time Out Group, following the launch of its franchise model in India in 2025, extending the reach of the business into additional high-growth markets, the publisher continued.
Under the franchise model, Giunina LLC, through Time Out Market Brazil, will be responsible for the local development and operation of the project, from site selection and leasing to team building and culinary curation, with strategic guidance and support from Time Out Group. As with all Time Out Markets worldwide, the Time Out Market Brazil team will oversee the fit-out and management of the shared infrastructure, while Time Out says chefs and partner brands will remain responsible for their own ingredients and kitchen teams.
The exact location, first partners and cultural programme for South America's first Time Out Market have yet to be announced and will be revealed in due course. The Market is expected to become a major addition to Brazil's food and cultural landscape, bringing together leading chefs and a broad mix of concepts, including bars, bakeries, cafés, burger spots and pizzerias, alongside local favourites and special guest collaborations.
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