When it comes to global restaurant chains with a cult following, Nando’s stands out with its flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken and vibrant South African-Portuguese roots. Entrepreneurs and food lovers across North America often ask: “Does Nando’s offer franchising in the U.S. and Canada?”

If you’re considering investing in a restaurant franchise opportunity, let’s explore whether Nando’s is open to franchise ownership, its expansion model, and possible alternatives for aspiring franchisees.

Is Nando’s a Franchise in the U.S. and Canada?

The short answer is no—Nando’s does not currently franchise in the United States or Canada. Unlike many popular restaurant chains that expand rapidly through franchising, Nando’s takes a corporate-owned model approach in North America.

This means every Nando’s location in the U.S. and Canada is company-owned, allowing the brand to maintain strict control over quality, customer experience, and its unique brand identity.

Why Doesn’t Nando’s Franchise in North America?

There are a few key reasons why Nando’s avoids franchising in these regions:

1. Brand Consistency – By operating corporate-owned restaurants, Nando’s ensures the same taste, culture, and service across all locations.

2. High Operational Standards – Maintaining food quality, sourcing, and the signature Nando’s vibe is easier when managed in-house.

3. Strategic Growth – Nando’s prefers slow and steady expansion in North America rather than rapid franchise-driven scaling.
   
   

Where Does Nando’s Franchise?

While Nando’s does not franchise in the U.S. or Canada, it does offer franchise opportunities in other international markets. In countries like Australia, New Zealand, parts of Asia, and the Middle East, entrepreneurs may have a chance to partner with the brand through franchise agreements.

However, these opportunities are selective and often limited to multi-unit operators with strong restaurant management backgrounds.

Nando’s Growth in North America

Nando’s entered the U.S. market in 2008 and has since expanded primarily in Washington, D.C., Chicago, and the Greater Toronto Area in Canada.

Despite not offering franchising, Nando’s continues to grow steadily in major urban centers where demand for bold flavors and unique dining experiences remains high.

Alternatives to Nando’s Franchise in the U.S. & Canada

If you’re disappointed that Nando’s does not currently franchise in North America, don’t worry—there are plenty of restaurant franchise opportunities with similar appeal:

• Pollo Campero – A Latin American chicken chain with growing U.S. presence.

• El Pollo Loco – Famous for its flame-grilled chicken and franchising options across the U.S.

• Wingstop – A fast-casual chain offering franchise opportunities with strong brand recognition.

• Peri-Peri Style Concepts – Independent and emerging chicken brands inspired by the same flavors as Nando’s.

These franchises allow investors to tap into the growing demand for spicy chicken restaurants and ethnic-inspired fast-casual dining.

Final Thoughts

So, does Nando’s offer franchising in the U.S. and Canada?
👉 The answer is no, at least for now. Nando’s prefers to own and operate its North American restaurants directly.

For entrepreneurs seeking to invest in the fast-casual chicken franchise market, exploring alternative brands could be the best move. While Nando’s remains a beloved dining option, franchise opportunities in North America are currently off the table.