Cape Town - Well-know chain restaurant Nando’s is supporting South African artists by displaying their work at its restaurants.
Nando’s supports more than 350 professional artists through the developing programme administered by Spier Arts Trust.
Nando’s has more than 21 000 pieces of South African art in its collection, which is displayed on the walls of over 12 000 restaurants in more than 24 countries across the world.
The fast food chain recently opened up a new store in Bothasig with a stand-alone drive-through.
This was one of many spaces designed by TinLab, an interior architectural company specialising in restaurant design.
Founder and director of TinLab, Elizabeth Joubert, said: “The central suspended timber panel ceiling feature with the bespoke pendants from Mash-T Design Studio is the main design hero of the restaurant that grounds the space.
“A deep maroon-red colour was used as the accent colour in the design, highlighting certain features and providing a pop of colour. It was implemented throughout the design.
“The back wall was emphasised by using timber panels with a bold printed pattern from one of the Hot Young Designers, Bonolo Chepape.
“Various items from the Portal to Africa were incorporated into the design, making it a truly South African experience.
“Red fluted chairs by Pedersen and Lennard, bold patterned backrest chairs by Naturalis, feature WHB unit and the condiment unit by Dokter and Misses and gorgeous lights from Mash-T Design Studio highlight the internal space,” she said.
Marketing manager overseeing internal brand experience for Nando's South Africa, Kirsten Niehaus, said every Nando’s restaurant is unique in its design and has original South African art and designer furniture.
“Nando’s is a proudly South African business with people at the centre of everything we do. We live our purpose of changing lives, through our commitment to nurture and showcase southern African creative talent in a meaningful way.
“Nando’s believes in the ‘empowerment philosophy’ which focuses on nurturing southern African creative talent. We are fired up to be a propeller for emerging artists, designers and musicians to take the next step to further their careers,” she said.
General manager of the Cape region for Nando’s South Africa, Itumeleng Mogotsi, said chicken was a high-selling product and fell in line with the emerging health food trend.
“Even during tough months, Nando’s franchisees have been outselling their competitors. The Western Cape market is not saturated and has growth potential. We are always looking for new opportunities to add value and grow the brand,” he said.