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A chicken chain that aims to embody the spices and spirit of South Africa is set to open its third location in Atlanta in June, just in time for the country’s World Cup team to touch down here.
Nando’s started its expansion into Georgia with its PERimeter location at High Street in Dunwoody, the name a play on the peri-peri spice that serves as the foundation for its 24-hour marinated chicken. That was followed by a second location at The Forum in Norcross.
Peri-peri as a seasoning is anchored by the birds-eye chilli, native to southern Africa but made famous globally by sea-faring Portuguese traders who colonized Mozambique, Angola and other African nations.
The cultural mix is embraced by Nando’s, which is officially based in the United Kingdom but showcases South African flavor and creativity in its art program, community outreach and celebration of the varied cultures that make up the Rainbow Nation.
Hungry in-towners can get their first taste of Nando’s and its South African flair during a pop-up experience along the Atlanta Beltline on May 8-9 the brand is calling its PERi-PERi Portal. The two-day walkthrough from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m. each day includes flame-grilled chicken tastings, crispy chips (fries) and a peri-peri sauce bar.
The chain will also show off how it has reimagined the former Bar Mercado space at Krog, which spans 3,500 square feet, according to reports.
South Africa faces off against Czechia in the team’s only World Cup match in Atlanta on June 18.
Beyond its extensive international presence, Nando’s operates nearly 50 restaurants across six states including Georgia. Learn more about Nando’s in this Global Atlanta story ahead of its Georgia launch:
