Nando's bets on drive-thru and site precision to win ANZ

Drive-thrus dining-in and demographic data now drive every new Nando's site decision across Australia and New Zealand.

Nando’s ANZ is targeting 25 new restaurant openings and 1,000 new jobs by 2028, but its expansion will depend on securing the right sites without overpaying in a competitive property market.

Scott Hamilton, Chief Development Officer of Nando’s ANZ, said the rollout is progressing after the company opened 10 restaurants in the past 12 months, including its first three drive-through restaurants in Australia and New Zealand. “We've opened 10 in the last 12 months, including three of our first drive-through restaurants in the Australia, New Zealand market,” Hamilton said.

Nando’s has 16 restaurants in the pipeline across its drive-through and neighbourhood dine-in plus shopping centre models. Hamilton said the company sees opportunity across five growth models, but drive-through and dine-in formats are leading the next phase.

The drive-through format is being designed as more than a convenience channel. “We're not doing just a drive-thru; we consider them to be restaurants that you can also drive through,” Hamilton said. The model keeps a full dining experience while extending Nando’s service elements into the drive-through lane.

Site selection remains central to the plan. Hamilton said Nando’s works with Geotech and GapMaps to assess demographics such as age, ethnicity and income, alongside site traits including location, access, parking and visibility. The company wants restaurants that can perform now and remain viable over the long term.

Rent pressure can still stop a deal. Hamilton said bidding wars can push commercial terms beyond what works for both Nando’s and landlords. “If the rent gets out of hand, we're happy to walk away from a deal and work on the next one that we know can work for both parties,” he said.

When multiple operators want the same site, Nando’s positions itself through its restaurant design, service model and role in the tenancy mix. Hamilton said the company also works with complementary brands such as gourmet burger or Mexican operators to help developers fill precincts.

His advice to brands signing leases is to wait for the right site. “Property decisions are long-term decisions,” Hamilton said.