South African restaurant Nando's announces first Texas locations coming to Uptown, Katy

The first two Texas locations of the South African fast-casual chain Nando’s PERi-PERi have been announced for the mixed-use La Centerra development in Katy and Post Oak Plaza in Uptown, just outside of Houston's Inner Loop.

Both locations are slated to open in spring 2023, according to a June 8 press release, and will bring the chain's recognized menu centering on spicy flame-grilled chicken.

“Our authentic flavors were born in South Africa but are built for Houston," Nando's CEO John Fisher said in a statement. "We can’t wait to welcome Nando’s newcomers and loyalists who have long lobbied for us to come to Texas and to this fast-growing city known for its incredible diversity and culinary scene.”

Founded in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1987, Nando's is mostly known for its chicken recipes, made with chicken that is marinated for at least 24 hours in peri-peri sauce—a chili sauce made with African Bird’s Eye Chilli—and flavored to each customer's preferred spice level. Nando’s sources its peri-peri through 1,400 local farmers in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi and South Africa, according to the release.

The Uptown location will be the flagship in Houston and will be located in a 3,200-square-foot space that is being redesigned by the Michael Hsu Office of Architecture. The restaurant's interior will feature original South African contemporary art and custom-made furniture. The venue will also include a patio with space for 80 diners.

U.S. locations of Nando's can be found in Washington, D.C.; Maryland; Virginia; and Chicago, according to the release. Additional expansions throughout Texas are expected in the future.