The popular peri-peri chicken chain Nando's has announced a significant acceleration of its UK restaurant opening programme, riding a wave of strong sales and more than doubled profits. This expansion comes as the brand capitalises on robust consumer demand for its flame-grilled offerings.
A Year of Strong Financial Performance
In its latest financial accounts, Nando's revealed an impressive 8% increase in revenues, which climbed to £1.48 billion for the year ending February 23, 2025. This growth was primarily driven by higher sales volumes as customers flocked back to its restaurants.
Even more striking was the performance of its operating profits, which more than doubled to £146.6 million, up from £59.8 million the previous year. This substantial jump was bolstered by the strong sales and a one-off receipt, underscoring a period of remarkable financial health for the South African-owned business.
The 2025/26 Expansion Plan
Building on this momentum, Nando's is pushing forward with an ambitious plan to open 14 new company-owned restaurants across the UK during the current financial year, which runs until February 2026. This follows the successful launch of a dozen new sites in the previous year.
The new locations confirmed for the expansion include:
- Bedford
- Derby
- Peterborough
- Bishop Auckland
- Maidenhead
- Sheffield
- Edinburgh Gyle
- Paddington
- Liverpool Edge Lane
Rob Papps, Group Chief Executive of Nando's, stated that the company sees 'significant growth potential in all our markets' and is committed to continuing its investment. This includes not only new restaurants but also further menu innovation and enhancements to its digital capabilities.
Navigating Future Challenges
Despite the positive results, the company has issued a note of caution for the year ahead. It flagged that increased cost pressures, particularly following tax and wage increases in April, are expected to affect its overall performance.
Nando's has been actively working to manage these rising costs through productivity improvements and specific measures, such as rolling out energy-efficient grills across its UK and Ireland estates to reduce energy consumption. The company acknowledged that while these actions have helped, cost pressures will continue to be a challenge in the current financial year.
Mr Papps added that while the 'macro-economic outlook remains uncertain', the brand's strong customer proposition and planned investments position it for future growth, both in the UK and across its wider international footprint.
