World-Famous South African Chicken Restaurant Will Bring Its Signature Flame-Grilled Spice and Art-Filled Interiors to Uptown District and Katy Before Expanding Across the Lone Star State
Nando’s PERi-PERi, the beloved South African restaurant brand recognized around the world for its spicy flame-grilled chicken, today announced its first new major market expansion in more than seven years. Plans call for the spring 2023 opening of a pair of initial Houston area restaurants – Post Oak Plaza in Uptown, and La Centerra in Katy’s acclaimed Cinco Ranch mixed-use destination – in advance of future expansion throughout Texas.
“Our authentic flavors were born in South Africa but are built for Houston. We can’t wait to welcome Nando’s newcomers and loyalists who have long lobbied for us to come to Texas and to this fast-growing city known for its incredible diversity and culinary scene,” said John Fisher, CEO of Nando’s PERi-PERi USA.
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- PERi-PERi farmers in Mozambique credit Ricardo Franco
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- Pulled Chicken, Feta & Avo Bowl, PERi-PERi Chicken Bowl plus Avocado & Roasted Pepper Bowl credit Greg Powers
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- Flame-grilled Butterfly Chicken Breast with Portuguese Rice and Macho Peas credit Greg Powers
The company’s journey from the tip of Africa to the heart of Texas that began 35 years ago with a single location in Johannesburg now spans 24 nations from Australia to Zimbabwe. Landing stateside in 2008 with its inaugural US restaurant in Washington, DC, the brand has since expanded to nearly 50 sites in DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Chicago.
The concept’s popularity can be traced to PERi-PERi – or African Bird’s Eye Chilli – the heart and soul of the Nando’s experience. “We marinate our chicken in PERi-PERi for at least 24-hours, so the flavor goes right through to the bone,” Fisher explained. “Then we grill it over an open flame and baste it with PERi-PERi sauce to the customer’s preferred spice level. That’s what makes our chicken so addictive.”
Nando’s sources all its PERi-PERi through 1,400 local farmers in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and South Africa who are empowered with upfront access to funds, equipment, and seedlings as well as a guaranteed commitment by the company to buy the farmers’ crops at a fair price determined before the growing season even starts.
The company’s famed sauces made with with the African Bird’s Eye Chili Pepper have been available in the Houston market since 2014 and are available at H-E-B / Central Market, Kroger, Whole Foods and Walmart, including five flavors of PERi PERi sauces – Lemon & Herb, Medium, Garlic, Hot and XXHot – as well as two PERinaise (spicy mayo) sauces available in both original and hot flavors.
Nando’s flagship Texas location is headed for a prime Uptown site at the southeast corner of Post Oak Boulevard and San Felipe in Post Oak Plaza, the landmark Levcor lifestyle center currently under substantial redevelopment and home to Kenny& Ziggy’s, Bill Walker Clothier, and Pinto Ranch. The 3,200-square-foot space is being completely reimagined by Michael Hsu Office of Architecture. Both the tenant and the landlord were represented in the transaction by SHOP Companies.
“The addition of Nando’s and the reimagined experience at Post Oak Plaza is the start of many new changes customers will see at our center,” said Sasha Levine, Vice President at LEVCOR. “We are excited to bring this unique concept, one I have enjoyed dining at while traveling, and will continue to bring exciting concepts to the neighborhood as we execute our commitment to deliver an elevated and community-focused experience.”
Slated to fire up in spring 2023, Nando’s Uptown will be followed in quick succession by Nando’s Cinco Ranch.
Nando’s intensely loyal following has not only been driven by its high-quality food, but also its friendly service presented in a relaxed atmosphere that elevates the typical fine-fast casual experience. Every Nando’s location is uniquely designed with earthy textures and vibrant colors that reflect its sunny African heritage while retaining a sense of place in which it lives and breathes.
The restaurant’s first-ever Texas iteration in the Uptown District will be no exception. Nando’s has the largest collection of original South African contemporary art on display in the world, and the 80-seat interior will be the beneficiary of many wonderful examples of those pieces, along with custom-made furniture and lighting.
The sophisticated space will seamlessly transition to an eye-catching, north- and west-facing L-shaped patio allowing nearly year-round enjoyment for an additional 80 guests.