Nando’s launches first drive-through in Australia at Roxburgh Park, signaling major expansion in ANZ market

AUSTRALIA – Nando’s has opened its first-ever drive-through restaurant in Roxburgh Park, a suburb of Melbourne, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s evolution and growth strategy for Australia and New Zealand.

The new outlet combines the convenience of a drive-through with a traditional dine-in experience, reflecting the brand’s response to changing consumer preferences and the increasing demand for quick, accessible food options.

The Roxburgh Park location is not only a first for Nando’s in Australia but also represents a new generation of restaurant experience for the brand in the region.

Over the years, Nando’s trialed various concepts, such as pick-up windows, but the company emphasized that this drive-through format is the first of its kind for the brand and market.

The launch was celebrated with the giveaway of 2,000 free meals to customers, underlining the significance of the occasion and Nando’s commitment to community engagement.

Nando’s Australia and New Zealand CEO Amanda Banfield described the opening as a major step in the company’s ongoing evolution after 35 years in the Australian restaurant industry.

She outlined an ambitious expansion plan: over the next three years, Nando’s aims to open another 25 restaurants across Australia and New Zealand, which will result in the creation of 1,000 new jobs.

The company’s long-term vision includes opening 70 new restaurants in the region by 2030, with drive-throughs like Roxburgh Park playing a central role in this growth strategy.

The decision to embrace the drive-through model is driven by shifting consumer habits. Industry data indicates that drive-through sales generate up to 70% of revenue for quick-service restaurants in Australia, and nearly 40% of Australians now prefer ordering food via drive-through.

Experts note that this trend is fueled by the nation’s increasingly mobile lifestyle, with more people spending time in cars for commuting, school runs, and delivery work.

Nando’s entry into the drive-through space positions it alongside established fast-food giants and offers the brand a new channel to serve loyal and new customers who value speed, convenience, and the signature peri-peri flavor.

Distinctive features at the Roxburgh Park restaurant include cascading rooftop gardens, behind-the-scenes views of the grill, Afro-Luso music, and an interior adorned with thousands of pieces of South African artwork.

The outlet also provides bottomless drinks and sauce stations, further enhancing the guest experience.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.