Nando's to open first airport site at Gatwick's South Terminal
The c280-strong company will open a 5,900sq ft, 200-cover restaurant at the airport, which will operate approximately 20 hours a day between the hours of 4am and 12am offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, according to BigHospitality's sister publication M&C Report.
The proposed opening is in direct response to passenger feedback to see a Nando’s at Gatwick. Recent research saw the brand hit the top spot for restaurant chains passengers would like to visit at the airport – 33 per cent asked for it.
The deal between Nando’s and Gatwick marks the start of a major overhaul of the airport’s food and beverage offering in South Terminal.
This follows a complete re-vamp of the North Terminal, which has seen eight new restaurants open in the past two years. New additions range from Jamie’s Italian and Comptoir Libanais to YO! Sushi and new coffee outlets including Starbucks and Pret a Manger.
Charlotte Christiansen, business development manager for catering at London Gatwick, said: “We are thrilled that Nando’s will be opening its first airport restaurant at Gatwick this summer. Nando’s is a hugely popular brand with our passengers and its extensive menu is perfectly matched to airport dining as it is quick, fresh and delicious. More than a third of our passengers told us they would like to see a Nando’s at Gatwick so we have acted on this.”
The airport said that passenger ratings of food and beverage at Gatwick have improved significantly in recent years, with 85% of passengers now scoring the selection of outlets available as either excellent or good. The number of passengers eating, drinking or buying products from catering outlets in the departure lounge has also steadily increased, with nearly 65% of passengers making a purchase – up by nearly a quarter.
Garry Duncan, regional director of Nando’s, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to announce we’ll be opening our first airport restaurant in London Gatwick next year.
“It’s a complete new territory for the brand, but demonstrates our forward thinking and desire to offer our fans and customers the best possible Nando’s experience whether they’re on a high street or in an airport terminal. We can’t wait to open our doors.”
Davis Coffer Lyons acted on behalf of Gatwick Airport.
This story was first published by M&C Report. To subscribe call Emily Croft on 01293 846578 or email rzvyl.pebsg@jeoz.pbz
