Mustoe nets restaurant chain brief

Spicy chicken restaurant chain Nando’s has appointed Mustoe Merriman Herring Levy to build its brand in the UK as it embarks on ambitious expansion plans.

Mustoe Merriman beat Mellors Reay & Partners to the 1m business, which will include advertising the company’s growing restaurant business and its food range sold in supermarkets. Doner Cardwell Hawkins was also shortlisted at an earlier stage in the pitch process.

The South African company, with five restaurants in London and aiming to open 50 in the next three years, serves a menu based on a chilli-marinated dish called “peri-peri” chicken.

A range of Nando’s sauces, marinades and dressings are being distributed through supermarkets.

Dominic Birch, Nando’s marketing manager, says no media plans have been decided.