Nando’s is a South African multinational casual dining restaurant chain known for its flame-grilled peri-peri style chicken. It was founded in 1987 by Robert Brozin and Fernando Duarte in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa, after they were inspired by a Portuguese-Mozambican chicken restaurant called ‘Chicken Land’. The name Nando’s comes from Fernando Duarte’s firstborn son. Initially a single restaurant, Nando’s quickly expanded, establishing multiple outlets in Johannesburg and Portugal by 1989. By 2012, it had grown to over 1,000 stores globally, with more than 280 branches and 1,200 outlets across approximately 30 countries.
Nando’s growth aligns with its origins during a significant era in South African history, as the country was moving towards equality and change. The restaurant emphasizes a culture of warmth, humility, and strong values, which contributes to its widespread appeal. It has been recognized as one of the top modern restaurant brands, particularly noted in South Africa.
The company has expanded internationally, with a solid presence in the United Kingdom since 1992, opening its first UK restaurants in west London. It has also established numerous locations across the Middle East, including Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as in the United States where it opened its first outlet in Washington, D.C., in 2008.
Nando’s UK operations are managed under NANDO’S LIMITED, a private limited company incorporated in August 2010 with its registered office in London at St Mary’s House, 42 Vicarage Crescent, SW11 3LD. The company focuses on delivering a distinctive dining experience centered around its signature peri-peri chicken and aims to maintain a strong brand identity rooted in cultural heritage and quality food.