Born In Joburg, Built For Texas: Nando’s PERi-PERi is putting down roots in Austin
August 15th 2023
South African-born fast casual favorite Nando’s PERi-PERi putting down roots in Austin with inaugural Mueller location to debut In early 2024.
AUSTIN, TX – August 14, 2023 –Nando's PERi-PERi the beloved South African restaurant brand recognized around the world for its flavorful flame-grilled chicken, is bringing its spice and art-filled interiors to Austin’s eco-conscious, mixed-use Mueller neighborhood, located just moments from both downtown and The University of Texas campus. Construction will soon be underway on a 2,500-square-foot space located on the ground floor of the Origin Hotel at 1825 McBee Street, and a debut is slated for early 2024. Nando’s was represented in the transaction by Retell Advisors, and Endeavor Real Estate Group represented the landlord Catellus.
“Austin is on the world’s radar, and we’re so excited to bring our concept to this vibrant city, which is so well aligned with Nando’s culture and commitment to quality and community,” said John Fisher, CEO of Nando’s PERi-PERi. “We look forward to being part of Austin’s dynamic culinary landscape.”
The company’s journey from the tip of Africa to the Capitol of Texas began 35 years ago with a single location in Johannesburg. Today, Nando’s 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, Chicago, and now, the Lone Star State with upcoming openings also slated for Houston and Dallas.
Nando’s popularity is rooted to its namesake PERi-PERi – or African Bird’s Eye Chilli – the heart and soul of the experience. “To get our authentic to the bone flavor, we marinate fresh chicken in PERi-PERi for at least 24 hours,” Fisher explained. “It’s then basted with PERi-PERi to the diner’s spice level of choice and grilled over an open flame.”
Nando’s sources its PERi-PERi in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi and South Africa via a network of 1,400 local farmers, who are empowered with upfront access to funds, equipment and seedlings. And before the growing season event starts, they are guaranteed a fair price purchase commitment.
The company’s famed sauces have been available in the Austin area since 2014 at retailers such as Whole Foods, Kroger, H-E-B and Walmart. Five flavors of PERi PERi sauces – Lemon & Herb, Medium, Garlic, Hot and XXHot, as well as two PERinaise (spicy mayo) options, are available in both original and hot flavors.
Nando’s intensely loyal following has not only been driven by its high-quality food, but also its friendly service – both presented in a nuanced atmosphere that elevates the typical, fine-fast casual experience. Every restaurant 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. That individuality is reinforced with a striking sampling of original South African contemporary art of which Nando’s has the largest collection on display in the world.
Conceived by acclaimed, Austin-based Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, Nando’s Mueller restaurant will offer an eye-catching aesthetic, incorporating rich textures and showcasing a captivating blend of layered patterns. Accommodating up to 38 guests and framed by a canopy of trees, a tranquil, L-shaped patio will feature stylish striped umbrellas, twinkling lights and planters bursting with greenery.
About Nando’s PERi-PERi
After making its 1987 debut in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nando’s has spread its flame to legions of fans in 24 countries on five continents who can’t resist the allure of succulent PERi-PERi chicken that’s been marinated for 24 hours, flame-grilled to perfection and basted to their preferred flavor and spice. The restaurant is equally renowned for its spicy PERi-PERi – the Bird’s Eye Chili Pepper that indigenous Africans introduced to the Portuguese centuries ago.
Nando’s PERi-PERi entered the US market in 2008 with the opening of its first location in Washington, D.C. and now operates nearly 50 restaurants in and around Virginia, Maryland, Washington, Chicago, and soon, Texas. For more information, visit www.nandosperiperi.com.
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