Nando’s is one of the most popular restaurant chains in the world, known for its delicious flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken. But have you ever wondered who owns Nando’s? In this article, we will take a deep dive into the ownership of Nando’s, how it started, and who controls the business today.
Nando’s was founded in 1987 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The story began when two friends, Fernando Duarte and Robert Brozin, visited a small Portuguese-style chicken restaurant named Chickenland. They loved the flavors of the flame-grilled chicken marinated in a spicy PERi-PERi sauce and decided to buy the restaurant. They renamed it Nando’s, after Fernando’s son, Nando.
Who Owns Nando’s Today?
Nando’s is a privately owned company, which means it is not listed on the stock market, and its shares are not publicly traded. The majority owner of Nando’s is the Enthoven family, a wealthy South African family.
The Enthoven Family and Their Role
The Enthoven family owns Nando’s through their investment company called Yellowwoods Group. The head of the family, Dick Enthoven, was a billionaire businessman who helped grow the Nando’s brand globally. After his passing, his son Robby Enthoven took over operations in the UK and played a key role in expanding Nando’s internationally.
How Did the Enthoven Family Become Owners?
In the early days of Nando’s, Robert Brozin and Fernando Duarte needed financial support to expand their business. Dick Enthoven, a South African businessman, saw potential in the brand and invested in it. Over time, the Enthoven family took full control and became the main owners of Nando’s.
Nando’s Global Expansion
Under the ownership of the Enthoven family, Nando’s has expanded into over 30 countries with more than 1,200 restaurants worldwide. Some of the biggest markets for Nando’s include:
- United Kingdom (where it is extremely popular)
- Australia
- Canada
- United States
- South Africa
- United Arab Emirates
Is Nando’s a Franchise?
Unlike many other fast-food chains, Nando’s is not a franchise in most countries. Instead, it is privately owned and operated by the Nando’s Group. This means that the company directly controls most of its restaurants rather than selling franchise rights to individuals.
Interesting Facts About Nando’s Ownership
- The Enthoven family also owns other businesses, including insurance companies.
- Robby Enthoven was responsible for making Nando’s a huge success in the UK.
- Despite being a South African company, Nando’s is often mistaken for being a British brand because of its popularity in the UK.
Conclusion
Nando’s, the famous PERi-PERi chicken brand, is owned by the Enthoven family through their company Yellowwoods Group. Originally founded in South Africa, Nando’s has become a global success story, thanks to smart business decisions and the support of its private owners.
So, the next time you enjoy a plate of Nando’s chicken, you’ll know a little more about the people who own and run this amazing brand!