This past weekend, the Downtown Naperville community welcomed its newest addition–Nando’s Peri-Peri. Known for their spicy, flame-grilled chicken, Nando’s Peri-Peri originated in South Africa. There are only 29 of these restaurants in the United States.

The restaurant was received very well by the community according to Justin Kipp, general manager of the Naperville location. Kipp said opening day brought great foot traffic, along with musical entertainment from a drum line. Nando’s donated 100% of the profits made Saturday and Sunday to benefit Naperville North and Naperville Central’s fine art departments.

“We all had lots of fun. [It was] high energy and we were getting Naperville fired up,” Kipp said.

Every Nando’s location is unique in its own way, according to Kipp. At the Naperville location, they planted a tree from the ground to the second floor of the restaurant. Naperville houses one of the largest Nando’s in the United States, and Kipp is hopeful the restaurant will be a popular spot with summer approaching quickly.

From the entryway, to the music, to the artwork around the restaurant, Nando’s brings a little bit of Portuguese and South African culture right in the middle of Naperville. On a large scale, Nando’s is one of the largest purchasers of South African artwork in the world, according to Kipp.  

Two of the employees said they enjoy working at the restaurant and get along well with their co-workers. Kipp said Nando’s puts a lot of praise on their employees.

Though Nando’s is known for their chicken, they have many other menu options:  Portuguese
rolls, garlic bread, rice, macho peas and several vegetarian options including wraps and pitas.