Located in the Surrey town of Leatherhead, the site is led by general manager Robeal Fisaheye, who has been with the business for 13 years.
The 72-cover restaurant employs 38 staff, including 30 new hires, and offers dine-in, takeaway and click-and-collect services.
Since entering the UK market in 1992 with a restaurant in Ealing, west London, Nando’s has grown to 427 sites in England, 35 in Scotland, 14 in Wales, 11 in Northern Ireland and 13 in the Republic of Ireland.
The group now employs more than 20,000 people, known as Nandocas, with 77% of new recruits aged 16–24. More than 1,500 people have taken their first job with the company, while over 1,300 employees have remained for more than 10 years, including more than 100 with two decades of service.
To mark the milestone, the brand has unveiled a PERi-Red plaque at the Leatherhead site and is giving away bespoke PERi-PERi sauce bottles to the first 500 customers.
“What an honour and privilege it is to open Nando’s 500th restaurant,” says Fisaheye.
“When this opportunity came up, I had no idea it would be this milestone restaurant – I was simply excited to take on a new challenge in a new area.
“I’ve worked in lots of different Nando’s over the years and one thing that always stands out is the culture. I’ve seen what it means to be a family; no matter which restaurant you’re in, you can always feel that.”
Mark Standish, CEO of Nando’s UK & Ireland, adds: “Opening our 500th restaurant is a proud moment for Nando’s, and one that belongs to all our people – past and present – who have each played their part in reaching this milestone.
“When we open a restaurant, it’s not just about great food; it’s about bringing people together and becoming part of the local community.
“We’re proud to create jobs, support local causes and make a real difference in the places we call home.”