Nando’s creates 40-plus jobs with new Coleraine restaurant

Nando’s has opened its newest Northern Ireland restaurant at Coleraine’s Riverside Retail Park.

The outlet, which will create more than 40 full and part-time jobs, is the South African fast-food chain’s eighth in Northern Ireland and adds to its 1,200 outlets across 30 countries.

Inspired by the Giants Causeway, the façade of the new restaurant will incorporate the famous interlocking north coast columns as well brand new Corten metal planters which will rise up around the building topped off with lush planting.

The interior will feature hexagonal patterned clad walls with cork matching the planters outside, a sustainable and eco-friendly material sourced from Portugal where the restaurant chain’s fiery flame grilled recipe is inspired from.

Lorcan Feely, Regional MD of Nando’s said: “Riverside Retail Park is a great location – perfect for shoppers for a PERi-PERi pit-stop or those living nearby who want to grab a takeaway.

”A new restaurant also means new jobs and we are delighted the opening will contribute to the local economy here in Coleraine.”

The opening comes after the company, which was founded in Johannesburg in 1987, unveiled plans to  become Net Zero by 2030.

Colin Hill, Nando’s CEO for UK and Ireland, said: “We will be carbon neutral this year by partnering with initiatives that not only protect our planet, but at the same time change lives.

“In practice this means that when our customers eat at Nando’s, we will support projects in Southern Africa that cut carbon emissions equivalent to those associated with their meal.

Nando comprehensive strategy to cut emissions includes:

• Restaurants in England Scotland and Wales already run on 100% renewable electricity and gas, with those in Ireland set to follow.
• The recent new menu offerings created for the reopening includes more plant-based options than ever before, enabling customers to make lower-carbon choices.
• Nando’s is working with suppliers to reduce emissions, including those associated with chicken farming, whilst also improving welfare.

Zero Carbon Forum CEO Mark Chapman said: “It’s great to see Nando’s take this bold next step in their journey to tackle the climate crisis.

“Rooted in science and based on a rigorous methodology, this is exactly the approach being suggested and supported by the Zero Carbon Forum.”