Nando’s, the South African-born chain known for its peri-peri chicken, is operating a pop-up restaurant in Lower Manhattan this week. The temporary location opened its doors near Fulton Street on Friday morning, according to staff at the site. The pop-up is expected to run through the end of the month.
Nando’s is offering a limited menu focused on its signature flame-grilled chicken with peri-peri sauce, along with a small selection of sides. Prices for a quarter chicken plate start at $11. Bottled drinks and desserts are available at the counter. Lines formed outside the entrance around lunchtime on both Saturday and Sunday, with some customers waiting up to 20 minutes for a table.
This marks the brand’s first foray into the New York City market. Nando’s has a presence in cities including Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Boston. A manager on site said the company is using the pop-up to gauge local interest before considering a permanent location.
The pop-up operates daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Walk-ins only; no reservations are being accepted. Staff said demand has been steady during the weekend, particularly in the evenings.
Nando’s did not confirm whether a long-term lease has been signed elsewhere in the city. The company will review feedback from the pop-up before making any further announcements about New York expansion.