Opening date for new Nando’s restaurant in Hartlepool: Find out how you could cut the ribbon

The South African themed chicken franchise will open its doors to diners on Anchor Retail Park on Tuesday, March 3.

Restaurant bosses are also looking for a ‘superfan’ to cut the ribbon on opening day.

After several months of work, the former Frankie & Benny’s has been given a complete makeover inside and out.

Alterations have included new glazing, cladding, hand-painted artwork panels, outside seating and plants together with bright new signage.

A notice in the entrance to the restaurant says: “We will be opening to the public on Tuesday 3rd March at 11am.

“Can’t wait to see you all.”

Nando’s previously said it had been ‘overwhelmed’ with the interest from people wanting to work there.

Hartlepool Borough Council granted planning permission to Nando’s last October after Frankie & Benny’s closed in September 2018.

The restaurant chain said the old building was ‘uninspiring’ and the alterations represented a significant investment that would ensure a ‘vibrant occupant’ for the future.

A number of Mail readers wished them luck and said they will pay it a visit.

Darren Dagsie Rose said on the Mail’s Facebook page: “Positive vibes. Good luck Nandos, I too will be visiting.”

But others questioned whether the retail park was the best location and suggested parking, which is two hours, could be a problem.

And during the planning stage a Lord Nelson Close resident said to the council: “Strongly believe this will be well supported by the town’s people, will bring good employment opportunities to the Marina and will hopefully last longer than previous companies at the site.”

Fans of its peri-peri chicken dishes can enter a competition to open the restaurant.

The restaurant said on its Facebook page: “Nando's Hartlepool will be hatching on the 3rd March and we are looking for one lucky Nando's superfan to cut the ribbon!

“The chosen superfan will be also win a meal for them and two of their friends.”

To enter, people need to tag two friends on the Facebook post that they would treat to the free meal by February 28.