Nando’s flame-grilled chicken is a staple of Australia’s fast-casual dining in 2026, offering a distinct Afro-Portuguese experience across the country.

The brand’s ability to remain a defensive asset amidst shifting consumer habits is a frequent highlight in our latest franchise updates.

Nando’s entered Australia in 1990 and quickly became a favourite, winning hearts with its signature peri-peri chicken and bold, cheeky attitude.

The brand overcame industry challenges—such as staffing shortages and rising costs—in 2024-25 with resilience and an unwavering commitment to quality.

Decisive Strategic Action: The Nando’s Answer

Nando’s took decisive action: prioritising local sourcing, launching staff upskilling programs, and introducing flexible rosters.

These strategic moves boosted morale and ensured the experience remained exceptional. For those exploring lucrative independent ventures outside the traditional QSR space, Nando’s response provides a masterclass in operational resilience that can be applied to any high-performance business model.

Nando’s has grown to nearly 200 restaurants nationwide. In 2026, the brand aims to open 8 new stores, increase revenue by 10%, and drive innovation in digital, menu, and community.

Differentiating in a Crowded Market

Standing out is no small feat in the fast-casual space. In Australia’s competitive landscape, Nando’s sets itself apart through bold marketing and a menu attuned to evolving local tastes—such as 2025’s Bush Tomato & Lemon Myrtle basting.

This unique positioning is why the brand is consistently ranked among the market-leading food systems in Australia.

Why Nando’s is the Franchise “Brand to Watch” in 2026

With high returns and a leadership team focused on partners, Nando’s is primed for continued success. As Managing Director Alex Papadopoulos says: “We’re passionate about making every Nando’s a destination.”

Franchisees benefit from a structured ecosystem:

• Robust Support: Extensive on-site training and personalised HR support for effective staff recruitment.

• Operational Access: Direct guidance from the central team and supply chain solutions ensure consistent availability.

• Return on Investment: Achieving a 15.2% EBITDA margin, Nando’s is widely considered a top-performing ROI Franchise business model in the current economic climate.

Nando’s vs McDonald’s: Why Nando’s Leads in 2026

While McDonald’s is a titan, Nando’s delivers a franchise experience that stands out in key areas:

• Unique Product: Premium, customisable peri-peri chicken versus assembly-line fast food.

• Store Experience: Bespoke, vibrant hubs vs. uniform and functional outlets.

• Market Position: Targeting the fast-casual segment with higher margins and premium positioning.

These factors make it one of the most sought-after premier investment opportunities for investors who want to lead with creativity and local relevance.

New Nando’s Stores Opening in 2026

• Melbourne Central, VIC (May 2026): A flagship featuring native ingredients and a rotating local artist gallery.

• Gold Coast, QLD (Mid-2026): Beach-exclusive menu items and community support for surf lifesaving clubs.

• Hobart, TAS (Late 2026): Tasmania’s first location, featuring a community-co-created mural celebrating Hobart’s youth.

Specialist Insight: The Monkish Take

Nando’s in 2026 remains the “soul” of the fast-casual category. By successfully navigating the post-2024 labour crunch through cultural innovation rather than price cuts alone, they have protected the long-term value of their franchise units.