When it comes to spicy grilled chicken, one brand stands out around the world — Nando’s. Yet, few people truly know the fascinating Nandos origin story. Despite its Portuguese name and fiery flavor, Nando’s actually began in South Africa, where two friends turned a small local eatery into one of the world’s most recognizable restaurant chains.
The Nandos origin story isn’t just about food — it’s about friendship, culture, and passion. It tells how African heritage, Portuguese influence, and an unshakable belief in authenticity combined to create a restaurant empire that celebrates diversity and community.
In this article, we’ll explore the journey of Nando’s from its humble beginnings in Johannesburg to its global fame. You’ll learn how its founders’ vision, peri-peri roots, and creative branding transformed it into a cultural icon — a story rich with flavor, humanity, and inspiration.
The Real Nandos Origin Story
The Nandos origin began in Rosettenville, Johannesburg, in 1987. Two friends, Fernando Duarte and Robert Brozin, stumbled upon a small Portuguese-style restaurant called Chickenland. The moment they tasted the restaurant’s flame-grilled peri-peri chicken, they knew they had found something special — a flavor unlike anything else in South Africa.
Captivated by its taste and potential, the pair decided to buy the shop for about 80,000 rand. They renamed it Nando’s, after Duarte’s firstborn son, giving the restaurant a personal and heartfelt identity.
From the start, Nando’s represented more than just grilled chicken — it stood for cultural fusion. The founders combined Portuguese recipes and African spice, creating a taste that celebrated both heritage and innovation. Within a few years, the small Johannesburg restaurant had grown into a national favorite, famous for its friendly atmosphere and irresistible peri-peri flavor.
That’s how the Nandos origin story was born — from one bold idea, one perfect sauce, and a desire to share the taste of Africa with the world.
Founders Who Started the Flame
At the heart of the Nandos origin are two visionary entrepreneurs: Fernando Duarte, a Portuguese South African, and Robert Brozin, a marketing-minded dreamer with a sharp sense of humor and business instinct.
Duarte brought the culinary expertise, steeped in Portuguese-Mozambican cooking traditions, while Brozin had the drive to transform that passion into a brand. Together, they made the perfect team — one with flavor and fire.
Their success didn’t come from corporate strategies but from authentic experiences. They built Nando’s around three simple ideas: great food, great people, and great energy. They wanted every guest to feel at home — laughing, eating, and connecting over food that told a story.
From the earliest days, both founders believed in experience over expansion. Instead of racing to open hundreds of stores, they focused on keeping the food genuine and the brand heartfelt. This philosophy became the backbone of Nandos origin, laying the foundation for its long-term global success.
The Birth of Peri-Peri Culture
If there’s one element that defines Nandos origin, it’s the iconic peri-peri chili — also known as the African Bird’s Eye chili. This small but powerful pepper is the heart and soul of every Nando’s meal, giving it that unmistakable blend of heat and citrus.
The story of peri-peri dates back centuries. Portuguese explorers in Africa discovered the chili in Mozambique and fell in love with its unique spice. They began using it in marinades and sauces, merging African and European flavors in a way the world had never seen before.
When Nando’s started in Johannesburg, the founders built their entire menu around peri-peri. Every chicken was marinated for 24 hours and flame-grilled to perfection. Over time, that spice became more than a flavor — it became a symbol of identity.
To this day, Nando’s sources its peri-peri directly from smallholder farmers in Southern Africa — including Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. This not only ensures authenticity but also supports local communities, preserving the true roots of Nandos origin.
Why Peri-Peri Matters to Nando’s
- Authenticity: Represents the African heritage and Portuguese inspiration behind the brand.
- Sustainability: Supports rural farmers and ethical sourcing.
- Flavor Legacy: Defines the unforgettable Nando’s taste loved worldwide.
Peri-peri isn’t just a spice — it’s the heart of the Nando’s experience and the most vibrant expression of its South African roots.
Branding, Identity, and Global Appeal
One of the most powerful aspects of Nandos origin is how the brand crafted its visual and emotional identity. Nando’s didn’t just build a restaurant chain; it created a cultural experience that’s instantly recognizable.
The famous Rooster of Barcelos logo — a symbol from Portuguese folklore — honors the brand’s European heritage. At the same time, its bold colors, warm design, and playful tone reflect the energy of Africa.
Nando’s marketing is another masterpiece of authenticity. Rather than polished corporate campaigns, it uses humor, honesty, and local references to connect with people. Its witty, sometimes cheeky ads are a hallmark of South African creativity — another core element of Nandos origin.
Every Nando’s restaurant feels unique. The walls are decorated with original African art, handmade furniture, and rustic textures that tell a story. Each location reflects both local culture and the brand’s shared identity, proving that global success can still be deeply personal.
The Nando’s Design Philosophy
- Local Art, Global Platform: Supports thousands of African artists through its art initiative.
- Warm, Welcoming Atmosphere: Combines modern design with cultural depth.
- Community Focus: Embeds values of inclusivity and creativity into every space.
Through art, humor, and authenticity, Nando’s built more than a restaurant — it built a movement. That’s why the Nandos origin continues to resonate with people around the world.
Nando’s Expansion Across the World
The global rise of Nando’s is one of the most remarkable parts of the Nandos origin story. After years of success in South Africa, the founders took their concept abroad — starting with the United Kingdom in 1992.
At the time, British diners had never seen anything quite like it: fast-casual dining with bold flavors and a relaxed, lively vibe. Nando’s quickly became a sensation, especially among young people, students, and celebrities.
From there, expansion was unstoppable. By the 2000s, Nando’s had spread across Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East. Today, there are more than 1,200 Nando’s restaurants in over 30 countries, each one serving that same unmistakable peri-peri taste.
Despite its massive reach, Nando’s has stayed loyal to its origins. Each branch adapts to local culture while maintaining the same authentic flavor and friendly experience that define Nandos origin.
Nando’s Global Milestones
- 1987: The first Nando’s opens in Johannesburg.
- 1992: Expansion into the UK begins.
- 2000s: Rapid international growth across continents.
- 2010–Present: Over 1,200 global restaurants; focus on sustainability and brand storytelling.
Nando’s didn’t just export food — it exported culture. Every restaurant worldwide is a tribute to its South African beginnings and the spirit of its founders.
What Makes Nando’s So Different
So what’s the real secret behind Nandos origin and its continued global success? It’s the combination of flavor, people, and purpose.
From the first bite of flame-grilled peri-peri chicken to the friendly “hello” from staff, everything about Nando’s feels genuine. The brand doesn’t chase trends — it builds trust.
Here’s what makes Nando’s truly unique:
- Authentic Flavor: Every recipe stays true to the original peri-peri roots.
- People-First Culture: Staff are treated like family, creating a positive dining experience.
- Bold Branding: Humor, heart, and honesty define its voice.
- Sustainability: Ethical sourcing and social responsibility remain top priorities.
- Consistency: The Nando’s spirit feels the same anywhere in the world.
Nando’s stands out because it offers connection, not just consumption. That’s what the Nandos origin story teaches — success comes from staying human in a corporate world.
The True Spirit Behind Nando’s Success
Beyond food and branding, the real spirit of Nandos origin is about unity. From two friends and a dream in Johannesburg to a worldwide community of fans, Nando’s shows what happens when passion meets purpose.
Its story is one of authenticity and courage — proof that staying true to your roots can lead to global recognition. Nando’s didn’t compromise its culture; it celebrated it. That’s why it resonates so deeply with people of all backgrounds.
Today, Nando’s represents more than a restaurant. It’s a celebration of flavor, diversity, and joy — a living example of how shared experiences can connect us all. The flame that started in South Africa still burns in every restaurant, meal, and smile around the world.
FAQs
Where did Nando’s originally start?
The Nandos origin began in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1987, when Fernando Duarte and Robert Brozin bought a small restaurant called Chickenland and transformed it into Nando’s.
Is Nando’s Portuguese or South African?
Nando’s is both — its flavors are inspired by Portuguese-Mozambican cooking, but the brand was founded and built in South Africa.
What does “Nando’s” mean?
The name comes from co-founder Fernando Duarte’s nickname, “Nando,” chosen as a tribute to his son.
What is peri-peri, and why is it special?
Peri-peri is the African Bird’s Eye chili, known for its fiery yet citrusy flavor. It’s the heart of Nando’s recipes and represents the essence of Nandos origin.
How many Nando’s restaurants exist today?
Nando’s now has over 1,200 restaurants in more than 30 countries, continuing to share its signature peri-peri flavor worldwide.
Conclusion
The Nandos origin story is a shining example of how authenticity, passion, and purpose can turn a small idea into a global legacy. From a single shop in Johannesburg to an international powerhouse, Nando’s journey celebrates the power of flavor to unite cultures.
Every bite of peri-peri chicken carries that same story — of African soil, Portuguese heritage, and the entrepreneurial spirit that started it all. The brand’s success proves that staying true to your values can make you stand out in any market.
More than a restaurant, Nando’s has become a global community fueled by warmth, humor, and heart. That’s the real legacy of Nandos origin — a flame that began with two friends, one chili, and a dream that continues to inspire the world.
