From sea to table: Chef Jô celebrates 35 years of seafood

Chef Jô, from Florianópolis, has led the Raízes restaurant for over 35 years and opens the third branch in Santa Catarina.

Chef Jô’s Journey

Josiane Machado, known as Chef Jô, is a reference in seafood along the Santa Catarina coast. She is preparing the third Raízes branch, building on a legacy that started with a small bar and is now recognized among the state’s top restaurants.

Born in Florianópolis, Jô grew up in Biguaçu, Tijucas, and the beach of Palmas, in Governador Celso Ramos. Daughter of a teacher and a fisherman, she learned cooking early, turning it into her profession.

With her husband Vilmar, Jô opened the Raízes bar with an improvised structure, starting with snacks, pizzas, and meals. In the early 2000s, they focused on seafood, reflecting their coastal roots and affinity.

Flavor in Every Dish

Her home-style cuisine, emphasizing freshness and natural flavors, became Chef Jô’s trademark. The philosophy of balance and simplicity is shared with her team and reflected in all dishes at Raízes.

Through experiences across Brazil, Jô views food as an expression of affection. “A fish must have freshness and lightness. I love when my food evokes warm memories of home,” she says.

Raízes Group and Expansion

The Raízes Group currently has two units: Governador Celso Ramos, opened in 1989, and Florianópolis, inaugurated in 2023, recognized among the city’s top three restaurants by TripAdvisor.

In 2025, Chef Jô will open the third branch in Itapema, built over the sea at Oporto pier. Her son Guilherme is also involved in management, contributing to the business growth.

“I have a wonderful team and I’m loving this new phase. After 35 years, we are in a completely different stage, with a built history and much more ahead,” Jô affirms.