Nando’s, the globally celebrated chain known for its flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken, is gearing up to make its presence felt in Mumbai. With its rich South African heritage and bold taste, Nando’s is set to launch five new restaurants, affectionately called "Casas," across the city, including one at Mumbai's Terminal 2 airport and several at major shopping malls.
This expansion marks Nando’s first foray directly within Mumbai, echoing the brand's thriving performance in other Indian cities such as Delhi, where it has built a loyal customer base, and Hyderabad, where its recent launch was met with enthusiasm.
“It’s a moment of great pride for us to launch Nando’s in Mumbai, which is known for its vibrant food scene and bold flavors,” announced Sameer Bhasin, CEO of Nando’s India. The city's long-standing demand for Nando’s rich, flavor-packed chicken experiences made it the perfect next step for the brand.
Nando’s has firmly established itself as a go-to option for food aficionados craving bold tastes, thanks to its signature PERi-PERi flavors. Every dish, including its famed chicken, burgers, and veggie options, is made with fresh ingredients, adhering to strict quality standards. Notably, the restaurant prides itself on avoiding artificial flavors or colorants.
“We’re confident Mumbai will embrace our flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken and many more culinary delights,” said Karan Kapur, Executive Director for K Hospitality Corp, Nando’s joint-venture partner. Building on Nando’s vibrant Afro-Portuguese heritage, the dining experience extends beyond just the food; each Casa incorporates aesthetically captivating Southern African-inspired artwork and Afro-Luso music.
Nando’s joint venture with K Hospitality Corp is strategic, especially considering K Hospitality's extensive experience and reputation as one of India’s leading food service providers. “Selling spicy, flavorful food to the food-loving nation is challenging, but with K Hospitality's market knowledge, we are excited about this partnership,” explained John Sikiotis, CEO of Nando’s for Licensed Markets and India.
This partnership aligns with ambitious growth plans, with expectations to open 150 restaurants over the next decade. The next Casa is set to launch imminently in Hyderabad, demonstrating the brand's commitment to rapidly expand its Indian footprint.
With the introduction of Nando’s to Mumbai, the brand aims to connect with the city’s young and adventurous dining community. Every aspect, from the restaurant design to the menu offerings, is crafted to resonate with the local palate, pushing the boundaries of typical dining experiences.
The fever for Nando's spreads beyond the restaurant; the company fosters loyalty through unique promotions and engages customers and communities alike via various outreach activities across its locations.
This strategic expansion will not only create jobs but will also provide Mumbai's residents with access to unique culinary offerings. With burgeoning consumer interest and rising health consciousness, Nando’s is poised to meet the dynamic demands of the market.
The opening of Nando’s Mumbai is set to redefine dining trends, particularly appealing to Gen Z and millennial patrons who seek rich flavors and healthier dining options. Through this expansion strategy, Nando’s not only aims to broaden its customer base but also intends to uplift local communities by providing culinary diversity and innovation.
With the bold taste of PERi-PERi chicken now landing on Mumbai's shores, food lovers are certainly set for an exciting culinary adventure. Nando’s, with its signature flavors and rich ambiance, promises to make every meal feel like home.
