Nando’s revamped Adderley Street store.
Nando’s has just completed a R4 million revamp of its restaurant in Adderley Street, Cape Town.
The modern outlet incorporates local flavours, the traditional warm Nando’s family atmosphere and historic elements of one of the most iconic locations in the central CBD, says Luis Rosa, franchisee owner since the restaurant opened in 1998.
Nando’s is one of the country’s leading fast food franchises and the Adderley Street restaurant is a flagship store. The restaurant serves a wide range of customers representing the diverse cultures and demographics of the Mother City.
The Adderley Street restaurant was built on the ground flour of the Golden Acre, one of Cape Town’s oldest shopping centres, famous for its large underground component and being one of the best places to shop on a low budget. The building, developed by Sanlam in the late 1970s, is one of the tallest in Cape Town at 108m high (completed in 1979) and has 28 floors.
The remains of part of the reservoir built in 1663 by Governor Zacharias Wagenaar can be viewed inside the Golden Acre. The original waterline before the land being reclaimed from the sea is indicated on the floor of the Golden Acre.
The Nando’s restaurant restoration came about when the Golden Acre building did some refurbishments in 2008 and 2009. Over a period of about 15-months, different sections of the Golden Acre were closed down due to demolition and restorations, and Nando’s was not open to trade during this time.
“Nando’s restaurant started with its own restoration, which took two months to complete,” says Rosa. “We wanted to increase the size of the restaurant. The outlet was completely redone and doubled in volume compared to the old restaurant. With its new face and specifications, the restaurant features only the newest Nando’s technology including a touch-screen kitchen.
Nando’s spent approximately R4 million on the complete restoration including construction, equipment, décor and building fees. The wooden floors on the upstairs level were replaced with concrete. For the restaurant it was an early upgrade in preparation for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, says Rosa.
The restaurant is next to Trafalgar Place (between Strand Street and Darling Street), site of the renowned Cape Town flower market. The spot has been used since the 1860s by friendly flower sellers who sell freshly cut seasonal blooms, including fynbos species such as king and pincushion proteas.
The restaurant is in the centre of town and is easy accessible. It is the only Nando’s in the Western Cape that is open around the clock from Wednesdays to Saturdays. With all the major events happening all year round such as the December night market, the restaurant is in the heart of it all, says Rosa.
