Nando’s has never been shy to hide its African roots. The brand has been a champion of African art and young South African artists since its inception. In honour of this, as of 31 May 2021, Nando’s Sandown in Cape Town is getting a proudly South African facelift with the help of some Hot Young Designers. The new façade of Nando’s Sandown is not just accepting any old artwork. Designer Agrippa Mncedisi Hlophe is the winner of the 2018 Nando’s Hot Young Designer (HYD) competition.

Tracy Lynch, Creative Director of the Nando’s Design Programme from Nando’s says, “We are proud to continue uplifting the creativity of our artists and keep them under our wing as far as we can take them. We’re sure this stylish new Nando’s will bring a touch of African flare to the lives of all who come in for a meal, or simply drive past on their daily commute.”As an official Hot Young Designer and self-described visual communicator, Agrippa’s rhythmical pattern designs were born from his education and passion in design, illustration and pattern design. In his work, he says he continues to draw inspiration from African Culture, African design trends and patterns from African beads.

“I am passionate about protecting culture and language” of his journey Agrippa says” My art gets better every time you see it, I'm always aiming for perfection and whenever I work on a piece I always try and make it better than the last one I created,” says Agrippa.  Stepping inside the restaurant, Agrippa’s pattern is layered over the surfaces of tables and onto the backs of chairs, making a strong visual connection as visitors travel through the space. But the hotness doesn’t end there, this is Nando’s after all.

Another exciting piece designed and made by a South African creative and first ever Nando’s HYD winner from 2016 is the condiment unit. Designed by none other than Thabisa Mjo, this condiment holder is the anchor of any Nando’s experience as it is the holder of the PERi-PERi sauces – the heart and soul of almost every Nando’s experience.“Having an epic and quintessentially African centerpiece design made by one of our most cherished artists to hold our PERi-PERi sauces is exactly what every Nando’s needs. We are proud to say that every piece of furniture is locally created and produced. Even the chairs come from Cape Town,” says Lynch.

For Lynch, it is the Nando’s HYD competition that has the lifeblood of creative ambiance in many Nando’s around the world. Nando’s HYD has supported tens of local design careers, including Thabiso Mjo, who has described the competition as having “changed the trajectory of my entire life”. In 2020, she went on to make history when she became the first South African designer ever to have her work collected by the Louvre’s  Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris, for their permanent collection.

According to Lynch, the textured and layered interior of Nando’s Sandown is a contemporary showcase of SA design and art and a celebration of the power and passion that has come from Nando’s HYD competition. “We can’t wait for all South Africans in the area to come on down and enjoy the experience of dinning in such great creative company.” General Manager, Itumeleng Mogotsi, for Nando’s Cape Region concludes, “ I hope that the community of Sandown and greater Parklands including surrounding areas, enjoy this beautiful casa and visit us to enjoy our PERi-PERi flame-grilled chicken and also enjoy all other delicious meals we offer”. About Nando’s  From the humble beginnings of a single restaurant in Rosettenville in 1987, Nando’s has grown into the largest South African restaurant group to expand beyond our borders.

Nando's is best known for its authentic PERi-PERi flame-grilled chicken, which has captivated guests the world over. All Nando's PERi-PERi recipes, from the extensive range of restaurant chicken-bastings to sauces, spices and others, remain a closely guarded secret. Flame-grilled and never deep fried; guest choose Nando’s chicken from a menu that includes full, half or quarter butterfly-cut chicken, burgers, pitas, salads and a host of other innovative bites. Whether you like it hot, mild or with lemon and herb, Nando’s chicken is legendary and has cemented itself in the hearts of South Africans everywhere.

If your mouth is watering after reading this, learn more about the brand and place an order via Nando’s website, or join the conversation and bring the fire on Facebook and Twitter.