The iconic flame-grilled chicken chain Nando's has confirmed plans for a significant UK expansion, with 14 new restaurants set to open across the country between now and February 2026. This move comes on the back of a stellar financial year, showcasing robust customer demand for its peri-peri offerings.
Financial Performance Fuels Expansion
This ambitious rollout is underpinned by impressive financial results. The company's latest accounts reveal that revenue climbed 8% to £1.48 billion in the year to February 2025. Even more strikingly, operating profits more than doubled, soaring from £59.8 million to £146.6 million. This growth was attributed to strong customer demand driving higher sales volumes, alongside a one-off receipt that provided a boost.
Rob Papps, Nando's Group Chief Executive, stated the brand is capitalising on this momentum. He said, "We see significant potential in all our markets… with further menu innovation, digital enhancements and new restaurant openings planned, including 14 in the UK."
New Locations and Future Plans
The expansion is already underway, with several sites having quietly opened in recent months. A further wave of launches is scheduled through to February next year. This follows the opening of 12 UK venues in the previous year, signalling a consistent growth strategy for the popular chain.
Confirmed locations for the new Nando's restaurants include:
- Bedford
- Derby
- Peterborough
- Bishop Auckland
- Maidenhead
- Sheffield
- Edinburgh Gyle
- Paddington (London)
- Liverpool Edge Lane
Additionally, five more UK sites are yet to be publicly announced, promising even wider access for peri-peri fans. Alongside boosting its domestic footprint, Nando's has also expressed ambitions to grow its international presence and increase the number of company-owned locations worldwide.
Navigating Economic Challenges
Despite the upbeat results and expansion plans, the company has issued a note of caution. Nando's warned that rising costs, including wages, taxes, ingredients, and utilities, are expected to weigh on the business in the coming year.
To tackle these increased costs, the group is focusing on productivity improvements. A key initiative includes rolling out more energy-efficient grills across its estate of restaurants in the UK and Ireland, demonstrating a commitment to managing expenses in a challenging economic climate.
