Why is Everyone talking about Nando’s first-ever Ayrshire Restaurant opening in Kilmarnock?
Work underway at the former Frankie & Benny’s site ahead of Nando’s Kilmarnock opening. Image Source: AD
Nando’s has officially confirmed the opening date of its first-ever restaurant in Ayrshire, bringing its famous peri-peri chicken to Kilmarnock and ending years of anticipation for local food lovers. The popular restaurant chain will open its doors on Wednesday, January 21, marking a major addition to the region’s food and drink scene.
The announcement has been warmly received by residents, many of whom previously had to travel at least 20 miles to Glasgow to enjoy the brand’s signature flame-grilled chicken and iconic sauces.
New Nando’s Location Takes Over Former Frankie & Benny’s Site
The new restaurant is located at Queen’s Drive Retail Park, next to the Odeon cinema complex, in a unit that has seen multiple hospitality transitions over the years. The building was most recently occupied by Tony Macaroni, which closed unexpectedly in July 2024. Before that, Frankie & Benny’s vacated the site in 2020 following the pandemic’s impact on the hospitality sector.
Since then, the unit has remained empty until Nando’s teams moved in, spending months refurbishing the space and fitting it out in the brand’s trademark style.
“Firing Up the Grills” — Nando’s Confirms January Launch
Confirming the opening, a Nando’s spokesperson said the company was “excited to be firing up the grills at our Kilmarnock restaurant on 21st January.” The statement officially ends speculation around the launch date and signals the final phase of preparations ahead of opening day.
The Kilmarnock branch will become the first Nando’s restaurant in Ayrshire, a milestone for the brand’s Scottish expansion.
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What the Opening Means for Ayrshire Food Lovers
For years, Ayrshire residents have called for a local Nando’s, with the nearest branches located in areas such as Silverburn Shopping Centre in Glasgow. The new opening significantly reduces travel time for fans of the chain and is expected to attract strong footfall, particularly due to its proximity to the cinema and surrounding retail outlets.
Industry observers note that the arrival of a globally recognised brand like Nando’s could also boost the wider retail park’s appeal.
A Global Brand With African and Portuguese Roots
Founded in Rosettenville, South Africa, by Fernando Duarte and Robert Brozin, Nando’s draws inspiration from Portuguese and Mozambican cuisine. The brand is named after Duarte’s son, Nando, and has grown into a global powerhouse with more than 1,000 restaurants across over 30 countries.
The chain is best known for its peri-peri chicken, marinated for 24 hours and flame-grilled to order, alongside a range of sauces that span from mild to extra hot.
Part of a Wider UK and Scotland Expansion
The Kilmarnock opening follows a period of sustained growth for Nando’s across the UK. The company confirmed the launch of 14 new restaurants by the end of 2025, including locations in Edinburgh Gyle, Sheffield, Paddington, Liverpool Edge Lane, and Bishop Auckland.
The Ayrshire opening reinforces Scotland’s importance within the brand’s UK expansion strategy as demand for casual dining continues to rebound.
FAQ
When is the Nando’s restaurant opening in Kilmarnock?
Nando’s has confirmed that its Kilmarnock restaurant will officially open on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
Where exactly is the new Nando’s located?
The restaurant is located at Queen’s Drive Retail Park in Kilmarnock, next to the Odeon cinema complex.
Is this the first Nando’s restaurant in Ayrshire?
Yes. This will be the first-ever Nando’s restaurant in Ayrshire, making it a landmark opening for the region.
What restaurant was previously in the building?
The unit was previously occupied by Tony Macaroni, which closed in July 2024. Before that, it housed Frankie & Benny’s, which shut down in 2020.
Why is the Kilmarnock Nando’s opening significant?
Before this opening, Ayrshire residents had to travel at least 20 miles to Glasgow to visit a Nando’s. The new restaurant brings the brand much closer to local diners.
What food does Nando’s serve?
Nando’s specialises in flame-grilled peri-peri chicken, alongside burgers, wraps, sides, and a range of sauces from mild to extra hot.
How many Nando’s restaurants are there worldwide?
Nando’s operates over 1,000 restaurants in more than 30 countries worldwide.
Is Nando’s expanding elsewhere in Scotland?
Yes. Nando’s has opened and announced multiple new locations across Scotland and the UK as part of its ongoing expansion strategy.