[Events] Nando’s closes countrywide!

If you had had a craving for Nando’s on Tuesday, 13 November 2007, then you may have noticed that every one of their restaurants was closed on that day. You’re probably still getting over the withdrawal of not getting your peri-peri fix, so I’m sure you’d want to know who was responsible for this catastrophic event. Look no further - it was Kevin Utian, managing director of Nando’s.

In celebration of their 20th birthday, Nando’s hired The Dome at Northgate, bussed in every last one of their 6500 employees country-wide and held the biggest bash since Oprah’s 50th. We’ve come to expect only the best from Nando’s and their birthday was no exception. I felt like I was at a major international concert, because, yes, there was a full-on stage production, hosting a selection of South Africa’s up-and-coming singers, hectically famous celebrities, and even a few Nandocas (anyone who works for Nando’s).

Kingsley Holgate (yes, THE Kingsley Holgate) was a surprise guest of the day, having flown in from some far-flung African country where Nando’s is but a distant dream. As you may know, Nando’s sponsors Kingsley Holgate’s humanitarian Peri-Peri Adventure to not only circumnavigate Africa’s Outside Edge but to also distribute thousands of mosquito nets to pregnant moms and children under 5. Needless to say, the crowd loved him! Marks Maponyane, and Billy Selekane, South African author, and internationally acclaimed inspirational keynote speaker, also shared their words of wisdom with the Nandocas

My favourite part of the whole experience (apart from finally being given a camping chair with a drinks holder) was the STOMP rendition performed by members of the Nando’s team from KwaZulu-Natal. They set up an actual Nando’s kitchen and basically used the equipment (ovens, counters, utensils, grills) as their instruments. The “songs” performed each represented a specific flavour – inspired!

Of course Nando’s will be around for a few more decades (hopefully), so in preparation for their next restaurant shutdown, they have kindly come up with some suggestions on how to deal with the withdrawal:

1. Be prepared and equipped and make sure you stock up on Nando’s the day before – think Africa’s extraordinary baobab tree which stores water in its thick trunk during the rainy season and during the long hot and dry season, the trunk shrinks as the tree uses up the stored water.
2. Book an additional appointment with you therapist for the 13^th to discuss your Peri-Peri withdrawal symptoms – remember to explain that Peri-Peri is also reputed to be an aphrodisiac – he/she needs to know that you have real problems!
3. Go into denial and refuse to believe the information supplied – keep the therapist’s telephone number handy in case this tactic fails!
4. Join the Nando’s team before 13 November – a sure fire way to ensure that you can have your flame grilled Peri-Peri chicken on the 13^th
5. Keep a diary between now and the 13^th and record your special Nando’s moments so that you can relive them on the day when YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BUY NANDO’S BECAUSE NOT ONE SINGLE RESTAURANT WILL BE OPEN ON THAT DAY

I have it on good authority that their next milestone birthday will be bigger and better. In fact, their dream is to have every single Nandoca from around the world in one venue for the party to end all parties. Nando’s have already proven that they can make seemingly impossible dreams come true, so perhaps it’s a good idea to send them your CV now to ensure your spot on the guest list….

MY RATING: 8/10