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Nando’s Story

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PERi-PERi is the heart & soul of Nando's. Its story is our story. For centuries, the people of Southeast Africa have used PERi-PERi to bring fire to their food. It is in Mozambique's rich soil and blistering sunshing that the African Bird's Eye Chili grows into its fiery best. When Portuguese explorers arrived there, they were enchanted by its flavour. They added a squeeze of lemon and a kick of garlic and turned PERi-PERi into a very well-travelled spice. Which is how, many years later, it ended up in Rosetteenville, Johannesburg. One afternoon in 1987, two friends went for lunch at a humble Portuguese eatery. As their meal drew to a close, they knew they'd tasted something that had to be shared. PERi-PERi was about to make one more journey — from Rosettenville to the world. Thank you for sharing it with us. As they say in Mozambique, bom preveito!

1987

A story begins in Johannesburg

Nando's is founded in Johannesburg, South Africa, inspired by the bold flavour of PERi-PERi and a belief that great food brings people together.

Black-and-white archival photo of two men smiling together.
Rustic wood-paneled room with vintage framed photos and decor on the walls.

1994

Nando's arrives in Canada

• The first Canadian Nando's opens in Richmond, British Columbia in January.

• Just months later, Ontario welcomes its first Nando's in Richmond Hill.

• Canada becomes one of Nando's earliest international markets, helping introduce PERi-PERi to North America.

Exterior of a "Nando's Chickenland" restaurant storefront with a red roof and rooster sign.

1999 - 2000

A growing appetite for Nando's

  • Nando's begins franchising across Canada, helping bring the brand to more communities coast to coast.
  • Growing demand fuels the next chapter of expansion, with new franchise partners helping introduce Nando's to even more Canadians.

2003

A proudly franchise-led business

Nando's reaches an important milestone, with franchise partners leading almost the entire Canadian estate.

Interior of a Nando's restaurant with colorful tiled walls and mismatched chairs.

2012

A new era begins

• Nando's begins bringing restaurants back into corporate ownership, creating new opportunities for growth and innovation.

• Our flagship Bay Street restaurant opens in Toronto, becoming a showcase for the Nando's experience in Canada.

2016

The world comes to Vancouver

Vancouver hosts the Nando's International Griller Challenge, celebrating the incredible skill, passion, and craft of grillers from around the world.

2018

Mandela Day

Nando's launches its first Mandela Day Dash, giving away free food at every restaurant on July 18 and beginning a tradition of generosity that we still honour today.

2020

PERi-PERi goes mainstream

• Nando's PERi-PERi Sauce becomes the third best-selling hot sauce in the world, bringing the flavour Canadians know and love to kitchens far beyond our restaurants.

• Nando's Canada partners with Spicy P from the Toronto Raptors to launch a limited edition Spicy PERi-PERi sauce.

Three glass bottles of Nando's PERi-Peri sauce arranged on a wood table.

2023 - 2026

A community comes together

• Following a devastating fire, the Kerrisdale community rallies around a beloved neighbourhood restaurant.

• Its reopening becomes a powerful story of resilience, community spirit, and the special place Nando's holds in people's lives.

2024

30 years in Canada

Nando's celebrates 30 years of flame-grilled chicken, unforgettable meals, and meaningful connections with communities across Canada.