Opening date set for first Nando's in Texas, coming to Uptown

The first location of Nando's Peri-Peri in Texas is set to open Aug. 7 in the Post Oak Plaza shopping center, 1717 Post Oak Blvd., Houston.

The eatery is known for its Portuguese-South African cuisine and flame-grilled chicken. Beverage offerings will include bottled wine and beer, frozen drinks, and cocktails.

To celebrate the opening, officials are hosting a contest to win free Nando's for a year. On Aug. 8, 10 and 11, the Nando's mascot Barci, a golden cockerel, will be hidden around landmarks in Uptown in three spots. Houstonians will have the chance to follow clues leading to the mascot that will be released on the company's Instagram page, and those who find it will be rewarded with the prize.

Nando's eateries are designed around the South African tradition of “braii” or gathering around the grill, according to an Aug. 3 news release. The Uptown location will include artistic installations from local artists, including HTX Made and Carisa Joy Marx from Republic Finishes, according to the release.

The eatery will seat 79, including at a bar counter area and a patio. Like other Nando's locations, it will serve as a showcase for elements sourced through South African makers, including specialty cabinets, indoor and outdoor dining chairs and hand-woven light fixtures. A stone mosaic on-site was made through a collaboration between award-winning South African artist Marlise Keith and the Spier Arts Academy.

“We are so excited to bring the flame, flavor and feel of Nando’s to Houston and Texas, marking our first major market expansion in nearly a decade,” Nando's CEO John Fisher said in a statement. “Uptown is just the beginning of an exciting journey for us in Greater Houston, and we look forward to becoming an integral part of this cosmopolitan, food and art-centric city.”

Another Houston-area location of Nando's is coming soon to La Centerra in Katy.