The fast-growing Nando’s brand reached another milestone last fortnight with the opening of its first ‘Fine Dining’ Restaurant in Epsom, Central Auckland.
The innovative concept is stated to be the first of its kind for Nando’s on both sides of the Tasman, which account for about 300 Nando’s restaurants.
The Epsom outfit is unique on another score- it is a restaurant within a restaurant, offering diners wider choice with quality service.
India Gate, which has its own loyal customers complemented by its high profile at several entertainment programmes, accommodates Nando’s in its precincts, making a quiet statement of commitment and promise.
Different experience
Directors Kuldeep and Shivani said that it took a while to develop the concept, assess market trends and finally launch the Fine Dine restaurant.
“Generally, when you go to Nando’s, you have to order your food at the counter, make the payment, pick up your table number, drinks (if ordered), plates, cutlery and glasses from the condiment table and take a seat. But at Fine Dine, you will be served at your table,” they said.
Mr and Mrs Arora are known for their fortitude, long-term vision and entrepreneurial spirit, which they have demonstrated in a number of areas (see ‘Couples in Partnership’ under Businesslink in this issue), inspiring in the process, their children (a daughter and two sons), peers, suppliers, staff and customers.
“This new restaurant incorporates several other innovative ideas including the state-of-the-art Tablets for recording customers’ orders and for processing bills. We went through several months of trials and anxieties before obtaining the approval of the master company,” Mr Arora said.
The couple also own Nando’s (The Base) restaurant in Hamilton.
Service commitment
Nando’s New Zealand Chief Executive and Master Franchisee Shailen Ramjee said that the Epsom restaurant personifies the commitment of not only its owners but also of the corporate entity in New Zealand.
“Nando’s has a romantic engagement with this beautiful land where people have a love for life that extends into many different outdoor activities from their obsession with rugby and their passion for sailing,” he said.
He said that New Zealand is small in population, but New Zealanders have a large heart and have taken to Nando’s fast, casual restaurants and now to Fine Dining.
“Our grand plan is to continue to cover the length and breadth of this great land so that everyone can experience our famous hospitality and delicious chicken. Nando’s is unique in that we take all our customers on a journey of discovery,” he said.
Awards winner
Nando’s won the ‘Best Restaurant Award’ of the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards 2008 and 2009.
Chad Wilkie, Convener of the independent panel of judges said, “Nando’s New Zealand knows exactly where they fit in the restaurant/dining sector, have a clear vision for the business, and the passion for the business and the brand came across from all levels of staff.”
Abhinav, the elder son of Mr and Mrs Arora won the ‘Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award’ in 2011.
