South African founders Mr. Fernando Duarte and Mr. Robert Brozin speak to the Lebanese media during the restaurant's official launch
When friends Fernando Duarte and Robert Brozin tasted the unique Peri-Peri flame-grilled Chicken in South Africa in 1987, they learned that Peri-Peri, this unique chilli, was discovered by Portuguese settlers more than 400 years ago and had magical culinary qualities. Mr. Duarte and Mr. Brozin decided to take the Peri-Peri recipe into new lands, where today the world famous flame-grilled Peri-Peri chicken has become addictive.
With more than 700 Nando's restaurants in over 30 countries, Beirut today witnessed the opening of another restaurant in Hamra, joining the first Lebanese Nando's at CityMall, Dora.
Addressing the media during the official Hamra inauguration, Mr. Duarte said that it is the Lebanese people's continuous search for exotic tastes and their thrill for life which made it ideal for Nando's to be present in Lebanon.
"Nando's is the flame-grilled Peri-Peri restaurant where the chilli itself is at the heart of it all. Besides the chicken, we have also bottled the Peri-Peri to make special Nando's sauces and marinades. Lebanese people can savour and appreciate such a spicy passionate taste, served in a warm and inspirational ambiance, for both families and businesspeople."
Mr. Duarte added that opening the second Nando's in Hamra is in line with "the zesty and colourful character of the area itself, which attracts people from all walks of life looking for adventure...even in food."
Also mingling with the press was Nando's co-founder Mr. Brozin who explained further the uniqueness of the famous Nando's taste. "Our A-Grade chickens are butterfly-cut and marinated for 24 hours in the secret Nando's sauce until the flavours go right through to the bone. They are finally basted in the customer's choice of lemon and herb, mild, hot or extra hot Peri-Peri sauce."
Explaining the health aspect of Nando's food, Mr. Brozin stressed that the "the A-grade chickens are free of any preservatives, colorants or added MSG. And because they are trimmed of fat at the farm, they are lower in fat and cholesterol."
"Webcor Group", a global food products supply chain of Lebanese origin, is the official franchisee and owner of Nando's in the Levant region including Lebanon, Syria & Jordan. Webcor Group's General Manager Mr. Wissam Nesr believes the restaurant chain sets itself apart from others by offering a unique experience when it comes to quality, food and atmosphere.
Asked why Webcor Group would invest in Lebanon at such a time of unrest, Mr. Nesr said "the Group totally believes that Lebanon's hospitality and tourism sector will flourish once again. Moreover, the Lebanese continue to enjoy life under all circumstances, and food remains a number one priority. History has proven that Lebanese people have a strong will, always overcoming all obstacles. We remain strong believers in Lebanon and its potential".
Mr. Khaled Nazha, Vice- President of The Restaurants, Cafs, Nightclubs and Pastry Shops Syndicate, was present at the event as well, and discussed the important role Nando's is playing in contributing to Lebanon's hospitality sector.
The menu is quite rich, including appetizers, salads, burgers, pitas, platters and delicious desserts... There's something for everyone! But when it comes to the essence, Mr. Duarte said that although we cater for every palate, Nando's is the only place where "you're not chicken about trying new food!"
Finally, to experience the Nando's exclusive Peri-Peri recipe, the media received bottled sauces in different flavours, all to be savoured at home!
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For further information, kindly contact:
Ms. Francoise Eid
Ms. Sarah Fayad
Asda'a Public Relations Consultancy
Tel: +961 5 455 454
© Press Release 2007
